Clements's... concise yet conversational text and accurate drawings focus on some 60 inventions that have greatly influenced civilization, at the same time spotlighting hundreds of other intriguing discoveries and events. Evidence of the author's fastidious research fills this paper-over-board volume's colorful spreads, each of which is packed with informative sidebars, spot art (much of it accompanied by humorous asides) and an illustrated timeline that helps place the inventions in historical context. .... An introductory note acknowledges that... "many major inventions are associated with European men"; Clements, however, includes notes on the work of selected women and minority members. Her edifying book concludes with an extensive illustrated glossary.