Presents a history of the world's most prominent and revolutionary engineers, discussing their key feats and major breakthroughs, from Archimedes and Leonardo da Vinci to Henry Ford and the Wright brothers.

Includes index. Subtitle on cover: From the great pyramids to the pioneers of space travel.

The early engineers. Building the ancient world ; Ancient innovators -- Renaissance and enlightenment. Islamic engineers ; Renaissance polymaths ; A new technology ; Waterways and harbors ; Early steam engines -- The industrial revolution. Developing the steam engine ; Harnessing electricity ; The factory floor ; Building bridges ; Balloons and airships -- The machine age. A transportation revolution ; Industrial innovations ; Great constructions ; Public health ; Radio and sound -- Modern times. The automobile ; Motion pictures ; Towering structures ; Flying machines ; Space engineering.