{"product_id":"ancient-inventions-9780345401021","title":"Ancient Inventions","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"ITS CHOCKABLOCK WITH CURIOUS LORE....James and Thorpe have amassed scores of persuasive testimonials of primeval ingenuity.\" --The Boston Globe We in the twentieth century tend to assume that our era has a monopoly on the inventions of clever machines  labor-saving devices  feats of engineering  and advanced technology. But as the authors of this fascinating and eye-opening book reveal  some of humankinds most important and most amazing inventions actually date back thousands of years. Historian Peter James and archaeologist Nick Thorpe have pooled their expertise in amassing this compendium of human ingenuity through the ages. Together they conclusively prove that our ancestors  however long ago they lived and whatever part of the globe they occupied  were brilliant problem-solvers. Written with the pure joy of discovery  Ancient Inventions reveals that:  Medieval Baghdad had an efficient postal service  banks  and a paper mill.  Rudimentary calendars were being used in France as early as 13 000 B.C.  Apartment condominiums rose in deserts of the American Southwest a thousand years ago.  The ancient Greeks used an early form of computer.  Plastic surgery was being performed in India by the first century B.C.  The Egyptians knew about effective contraceptives.  Flamethrowers were used in battles waged in tenth-century China. Brimming with odd facts and entertaining curiosities  written with zest and humor  comprehensive and fun to read  Ancient Inventions is a wonderful celebration of the endless inventiveness of the human mind. \"This presentation of the discoveries and innovations of the ancients will fascinate.\" --Booklist \"Thoroughly researched...It is doubtful that anyone could examine this book without coming away enlightened in one of its broadly ranging areas.\" --Library Journal AN ALTERNATE SELECTION OF THE QUALITY PAPERBACK BOOK CLUB AND THE NATURAL SCIENCE BOOK CLUB\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45648169828405,"sku":"ByrdShop_0345401026","price":23.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780345401021.jpg?v=1781711384","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/ancient-inventions-9780345401021","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}