These collective biographies offer satisfyingly detailed pictures of significant and little-known inventors' lives and gadgetry, as well as the widespread effects of said gadgetry. .

Introduction to everyday technology -- Nolan Bushnell: pioneer of the video game industry -- Willis Carrier: inventor of air-conditioning -- Josephine Cochran: inventor of the dishwasher -- Louis Daguerre: inventor of the photograph -- George de Mestral: inventor of velcro -- James Dyson: inventor of the cyclonic vacuum cleaner -- George Eastman: inventor of the handheld camera -- Thomas Edison: prolific inventor -- Daniel Fahrenheit: inventor of the mercury thermometer and temperature scale -- Philo Farnsworth: inventor of the electronic television -- Benjamin Franklin: prolific inventor -- King C. Gillette: inventor of the safety razor -- Peter Goldmark: inventor of the color television and the long-playing record -- Beulah Henry: inventor of household devices -- Walter Hunt: inventor of the safety pin -- Lonnie Johnson: inventor of the super soaker -- Levi Strauss: inventor of Levi's blue jeans -- Earl Tupper: inventor of tupperware.