An interesting book about seven items we often see in the modern world: the nail, wheel, spring, magnet, lens, string and pump.

Each chapter in the book looks at one of the items, covering their history, variations on the item, how they were used and what they are used for nowadays, from everyday items to some of the largest structures in the world. The author also puts in some personal anecdotes on making and using the items and some social commentary on how the inventions have been put to use for creating empires and subjugating others, showing that how the inventions are used brings benefits and drawbacks to the world at large.

This is a book to read if you have an interest in engineering and how nuts and bolts (and other items) are used in various way.