A great book, which goes a long way to dispelling the myth of "ever-accelerating technological change". Smil clearly elucidates something I've long believed: that my grandparents went through far more dramatic changes in lifestyle due to technology than my generation has experienced. Unfortunately, many of the illustrations (primarily drawings from patent applications) are cryptic and not very helpful;; but fortunately, Smil's explanations are clear enough that the illustrations are seldom essential.

Dense ,hard time finishing this one

Well written, interesting historical account of the amazing innovations made only about 100 years ago.