How nearly everthing was invented by the Brainwaves

The main text comprises six double gatefolds, on the lens, the steam engine, the light bulb and generator, the internal combustion engine, the transistor, and gunpowder, setting each subject in its historical context and explaining related inventions and prospects. These are supplemented by spreads on famous inventors, fantastic inventions – mostly rather Heath Robinson, fascinating firsts – including the original invention of safety pins, elastic bands and jeans, fabulous flops – more Heath Robinson, including an aerial steam engine too heavy to fly, and the future – some possible, including fuel cells – some impossible, including time travel. There are a timeline, glossary and index. The illustrations are embellished with hundreds of trademark suited figures – the ‘Brainwaves’ – commenting on and joking about the inventions. FP