Traces the history of inventions from the making of fire to the space vehicles of the future.

Includes index.

The beginning --The classical era -- The middle ages -- The Renaissance -- The scientific revolution -- The Industrial Revolution -- The Steam age begins -- The rise of machines -- Electricity -- Urban life -- Medicine -- Steel and aluminum -- Travel in the 20th century -- At home in the 20th century -- The electronic age -- Into the future -- Inventions quiz -- Glossary -- Index.