American Inventions; a History of Carious, Extraordinary, and Just Plain Useful Patents.

AMERICAN INVENTIONS; A History of Carious, Extraordinary, and Just Plain Useful Patents

STEPHEN VAN DULKEN

Van Dulken views U.S. history from the vantage point of the U.S. Patent Office. Drawings and information gleaned from hundreds of patent applications reflect a sampling of the inventions he feels best define the American dream, at least as seen through his British eyes. The author explains how these items shaped our homes, workplaces, and the open road. Among them are the disposable diaper, Barbie doll, bubble gum, remote control, cartoon, window envelope, stapler, air bag, and car wash. Van Dulken provides interesting historical facts that define the long-term impact of each eureka moment, such as the importance of matchbooks to the advertising industry in the early 1900s. Originally published in Great Britain in 2003. NYU, 2004, 241 p., b&w illus., hardcover, $26.95.