The Way Things Work
by David Macaulay · first published 1988
69% recommend29% neutral2% critical
Why HN recommends it
Illustrated, diagram-driven tour of machines that builds from simple mechanisms to computers and electronics, with a funny mammoth for charm. Loved by kids and parents, and suits curious young readers and homeschoolers.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Text and numerous detailed illustrations introduce and explain the scientific principles and workings of hundreds of machines. Includes new material about digital technology.
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I'll start: The Way Things Work (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0395428572/) and pretty much any book by David Macaulay (http://www.amazon.com/David-MacAulay/e/B000AP72G0/) The Stars, A New Way to See Them, by HA Rey (author of Curious George)…
on “What are great books for boys?” ↗Macaulay made "the way things work" too https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/304889.The_Way_Things_Wo... that book really inspired 12yr old me.
on “A sorceress’ kit was discovered in the ashes of Pompeii (2019)” ↗Yes, Macaulay's _The Way Things Work_ is a wonderful book. He's a little bit older than I think you may have guessed he is. His younger siblings like that book too. Libraries in general are where I spend much of my life. I definitely like…
on “Ask HN: How Can I Make Better Submissions to HN?” ↗…Surely it is for some, just as for some it is "merely" a tool for transportation. A computer is a tool that helps us wonder. So is a book. You don't have to be able to program The Little Prince or The Way Things Work in order for it to help you wonder. A computer is a tool that helps us wonder. And my mom wonders why it keeps crashing when she tries to check her email. I tried to explain how important it was that…
on “Alan Kay (1972). A Personal Computer for Children of All Ages” ↗> STEM and 7 in the same sentence make me sad Why? there are some excellent non-fiction for 7 year olds. In UK 7 year olds are learning science and math in school. eg The Way Things Work https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0241227933/ If... https://www.amazon.co.uk/If-Mind-Bending-Looking-Ideas-Numbe... The Awesome Body Book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Awesome-Body-Book-Adam-Frost/dp/140... Just…
on “Ask HN: What are some great books for children?” ↗Macaulay's book was titled "The Way Things Work". I too loved it as a kid - what an incredible piece of art. I firmly believe every child should have a copy. One wonders how many STEM careers it provoked. Your name confusion is understandable, as…
on “Getting humanity to bounce back faster in a post-apocalyptic world” ↗Perhaps a bit late to the thread here, but I have to put in my $0.02 for "The Way Things Work" (and its sequels): https://www.alibris.com/Way-Things-Work-David-Macaulay/book/... For the unfamiliar - the book is an illustrated guide to how different kinds of mechanisms and designed systems work…
on “Ask HN: Technology/Creative books and games for my daughter (7 years)” ↗1) The Way Things Work, by David Macaulay, first edition, first read when I was, maybe 12. Taught me half-adders. Degrees in physics and medicine, and I still refer to this cartoon book. 2) The House of God by Samuel Shem.…
on “Ask HN: Please name two of your most favorite books.” ↗…read as a kid and hold in lifelong regard as a result: The Fellowship of the Ring - long before the movies were a glint in Peter Jackson's eye, this was my introduction to fantasy, a genre I adore. The Way Things Work - I still remember the frabjous day when I understood how an internal combustion engine worked.
on “Ask HN: Please name two of your most favorite books.” ↗Our 7 year old likes reading Roald Dahl, Dr. Doolittle, The Great Brain, and Encyclopedia Brown (for fiction), and Macaulay books (The Way Things Work, Built to Last), Usborne History books (The World Wars, The Ancient Greeks), and The Magic School Bus/Ms. Frizzle's Adventures (nonfiction).
on “Ask HN: What books would you recommend for 7-8 year old kid?” ↗I remember reading through David Macaulay's “The Way Things Work” as a kid, soaking up the illustrations until I understood each one. It was life-changing. However, I remember having trouble with one page in particular -- the one describing differential gears. Of course,…
on “How a differential gear works (1937) [video]” ↗The Way Things Work by David Macaulay. Especially if we still had mammoths. http://www.amazon.com/The-Things-Work-David-Macaulay/dp/1405...
on “What Books Could Be Used to Rebuild Civilization?” ↗"Maus" by Art Spiegelman "The Way Things Work" by David Macaulay "Winnie the Pooh" by A.A. Milne
on “Ask HN: What book have you given as a gift?” ↗Two books I recommend, both of which are very digestible by your target age group: - The Way Things Work by David Macaulay and Neil Ardley This book is like an encyclopedia, starting from simple machines and guiding the reader to more complex technologies. The illustrations and diagrams are amazing. -…
on “Ask HN: How to get 9-12 years old interested into Science domains through books?” ↗1. LEGOs, "The Way Things Work" by David Macaulay, programming (for me, LOGO, Excel, TI-Basic, but there's better now), any kind of game system to analyze or theorycraft (but avoid games with too much time-sink!) 1a. Look for kindred…
on “Ask HN: How to Cultivate Gifted Child's Interest in Science?” ↗