The Way Things Work Now (DK David Macauley How Things Work) Hardcover – 1 July 2016

When I was a kid my Dad got me the original version of this book. Put simply I wouldn't have half the interest in technology and STEM that I do today without it. I loved this book as a kid - mainly because of the Mammoths, but also because of how practical the knowledge turned out to be as I got older. With this updated version its amazing to see how far tech has moved on since I was kid and even now I still smile reading it.First let me say even adults can benefit from this book. Arthur C. Clarke wrote that "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from Magic" and today technology is more pervasive in our lives than ever. Yet many adults don't know how the devices they use every day actually work or why - some just say "it's magic". Some people are even afraid of the technologies they have come to rely on because of their lack of understanding. This book is a very powerful and easy resource to start to demystify technology regardless of age or background. You don't need any knowledge of maths, engineering or physics either - because a mammoth will explain it all to you in easy to understand concepts.Second I really feel that books like this would really go far in igniting interest and passion in schools for tech/stem subjects. Way too much time at the moment in education is spent arguing about stupid things - like if Shakespeare is multicultural enough or if recorded history is too upsetting to learn about. Things that have little value or application in a world where knowledge of technology of the sciences is far more valuable and useful. This book avoids all that - it makes complex subjects like Physics, Maths and Electronics entirely approachable, shows people how very important things in our lives work and operate, and teaches you how many mammoths are needed to string a violin.

I'm a Macaulay afficionado. In the meantime, it seems to be a whole office. I like the didactic approach with a human touch and a sense of humour, and I own many of the books (although I have not read all of them as yet). It is always a wonderful experince of what a book can do for you to read a Macaulay book. At least "Building a cathedral" I know almost by heart.

I think this may come into it's own a little further down the line. I felt it was a little over complex, or maybe just too 'busy' somehow. That said, my granddaughter did discover some interesting facts on her first brief look through, so perhaps it's just me!

Thus book gives you all the answers to questions you or your kids ever wanted to know

It's a great book and it was lovely to be able to send a new and updated version to my great nephew for Christmas

So glad I discovered this book. I bought it for Christmas for my 11yo, and even though it's fine for him, my 15yo and myself are probably enjoying it more. We keep stealing it!Some bits are better than others, but in general, I prefer going to this book than researching online when I want to explain how something works.The Illustrations are incredible.

Bought as an early Xmas present, it is typical of the trusty DK books - full of information colourfully presented and fun filled pages which should guarantee hours of reading. Not one to be read cover-to-cover, but dipped into as the interest and ideas guide them.

Originally purchased for my grandson - but he is going to have to wait until I have thoroughly read and digested. Very good cartoon illustrations which are by no means 'patronising' for octogenarians!