100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

πŸŽ‰ Meet Toy Hero - our brand-new toy store, built by the team behind Book Hero

How Things Work

The Inner Life of Everyday Machines
3.98 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 106 ratings, 12 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
How Things Work by Theodore Gray delves into the fascinating mechanics behind everyday objects and inventions. The book presents complex technological principles in a visually engaging manner, breaking down the science and engineering that make ordinary items function. It's an enlightening exploration aimed at satisfying the curiosity of anyone interested in the marvels of the world around us.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3999
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have a curious mind and a passion for discovering the fascinating mechanics behind everyday objects. Written with a blend of clarity and enthusiasm, it reveals the hidden workings of the world, making complex concepts accessible and intriguing for readers of all ages.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

"Another masterpiece" (BoingBoing), by Theodore Gray, How Things Work explores the inner workings of machines, big and small, revealing the extraordinary science, beauty, and rich history of everyday things.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Theodore Gray has become a household name among fans, both young and old, of popular science and mechanics with his bestselling trilogy of books: The Elements, Molecules, and Reactions.

In How Things Work, he explores the mechanical underpinnings of dozens of types of machines, from the cotton gin to the wristwatch to an industrial loom, and shares his deep, firsthand appreciation and knowledge of the world's most essential mechanical systems.

Filled with stunning original photographs by Nick Mann, How Things Work is a must-have exploration of stuffβ€”large and smallβ€”for any builder, maker, or lover of mechanical things.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

How Things Work by Theodore Gray is praised as a visually stunning coffee-table book, offering detailed photos and insights into everyday mechanical systems. The author builds on his previous work by exploring the intricate details of how common objects operate, providing readers with a newfound appreciation for the overlooked systems in our world. It's described as another masterpiece for its enlightening perspective on everyday mechanics.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780316445443

Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 May 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers Inc

Illustration: 300 color photographs throughout

Contributors:

  • Photographs by Nick Mann

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 258.0mm

Height: 254.0mm

Weight: 1080g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Theodore Gray is the author of The Elements, Molecules, and Reactions, as well as Theodore Gray's Completely Mad Science. He is the creator of the bestselling iPad apps "Elements" and "Molecules," which have both been named App of the Week by Apple, and was the director of "Disney Animated" (also honored by Apple as iPad App of the Year). Gray appeared onstage with Steve Jobs several times in his capacity as a software creator. He also co-founded Wolfram Research, Inc., makers of the widely used software Mathematica and the Wolfram Alpha website. He lives in Urbana, Illinois.

Nick Mann is a photographer specializing in taking beautiful photos of inanimate objects on black backgrounds. His other work includes The Elements, Molecules, and Reactions. Originally of Urbana, Illinois, he lives in Champaign, Illinois.

Also by Theodore Gray

View all
  • Engines
    For those fascinated by the marvels of engineering, Engines by Theodore Gray offers an in-depth and visually stunning exploration of the machines that power our world. From ancient steam engines to modern-day micro motors, this book delves into the inner workings and intricate details of dozens of remarkable machines. Theodore Gray, the acclaimed author behind How Things Work and The...
    Hardback
    $5999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Theodore Gray's My First Elements
    Introduce Baby to the wonderful, colorful elements that make up his or her world!This board book for babies, ages 6 months to 3 years, features big, bold, and bright photography from Theodore Gray's bestselling adult book THE ELEMENTS, paired with delightful, baby-friendly text. MY FIRST ELEMENTS includes 10 elements, one per spread. Each spread features a big photograph of the...
    Hardback
    $3400
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • The Kid's Book of the Elements
    A fun, fascinating, and amazingly photographic exploration of the periodic table, for curious kids who want to understand how atoms and elements make up everything in the universe. Created by Theodore Gray, bestselling author of The Elements, especially for kids ages 6 to 9. Includes 120 tear out element cards so kids can play with and arrange the periodic table...
    Paperback
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Elements Jigsaw Puzzle
    A challenging, 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle of Theodore Gray's iconic photographic periodic table. This stunning photographic periodic table, a one-of-a-kind representation of every known atom in the universe, is the original work of Theodore Gray and photographer Nick Mann and is based on Gray's international bestseller, The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe. Completed puzzle is...
    1000 Piece
    Game
    $3999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Elements Magnet Set
    Based on the iconic images from Theodore Gray's bestselling book The Elements, this beautiful magnet set is the perfect way to add a little atomic flair at work and home. Spell out a fun message or just display and inspire some awe for all the elements that make up the world around you. This miniature kit includes: 121 element magnets,...
    Set
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Elements
    With more than 1 million copies sold worldwide, The Elements is the most entertaining, comprehensive, and visually arresting book on all 118 elements in the periodic table. Includes a poster of Theodore Gray's iconic photographic periodic table of the elements! Based on seven years of research and photography by Theodore Gray and Nick Mann, The Elements presents the most complete...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Molecules
    In his highly anticipated sequel to The Elements, Theodore Gray demonstrates how the elements of the periodic table combine to form the molecules that make up our world. Everything physical is made up of the elements and the infinite variety of molecules they form when they combine with each other. In Molecules, Theodore Gray takes the next step in the...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • How Things Work
    Million-copy bestselling author of THE ELEMENTS, MOLECULES, and REACTIONS, Theodore Gray applies his trademark mix of engaging stories, real-time experiments, and stunning photography to the inner workings of machines, big and small, revealing the extraordinary science, beauty, and rich history of everyday things. Theodore Gray has become a household name among fans, both young and old, of popular science and...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Reactions
    With Reactions, bestselling author Theodore Gray continues the journey through our molecular and chemical world that began with the tour de force The Elements and continued with Molecules. In The Elements, Gray gave us a never-before-seen, mesmerizing photographic view of the 118 elements in the periodic table. In Molecules, with the same phenomenal photographic acumen, plus beautifully rendered computer-generated graphics,...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Photographic Card Deck Of The Elements
    A companion to the bestselling book The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe, this beautiful photographic card deck features all 118 elements in the periodic table. One element per card appears as a full-size image on the front and fascinating information about the element on the back. The Photographic Card Deck of The Elements is...
    Cards
    $4999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Elements
    The highly-anticipated paperback edition of The Elements is finally available. An eye-opening, original collection of gorgeous, never-before-seen photographic representations of the 118 elements in the periodic table. The elements are what we, and everything around us, are made of. But how many elements has anyone actually seen in pure, uncombined form? The Elements provides this rare opportunity. Based on seven...
    Paperback
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Molecules
    In his highly anticipated sequel to The Elements, Theodore Gray demonstrates how the elements of the periodic table combine to form the molecules that make up our world. Everything physical is made up of the elements and the infinite variety of molecules they form when they combine with each other. In Molecules, Theodore Gray takes the next step in the...
    Paperback
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

More from Uncategorised

View all
  • Gift Wrap
    Transform any book into the perfect gift with Book Hero's premium gift wrap! Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply surprising a loved one, our gift wrap adds an extra layer of excitement to your thoughtful gesture. Features: Elegant Design: Our gift wrap features a timeless design that complements any book, making it ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any...
    From Free
    (3)
  • Shadows of Navarre (Fourth Wing) Bookmark
    Rebecca Yarros reignited the romantasy genre with the release of Fourth Wing (2023), the first book in her Empyrean series. Centered around 20-year-old dragon-rider recruit Violet Sorrengail, the series defies traditional fantasy tropes by offering readers a female hero who is both formidable and deeply human.
    Miscellaneous print
    $795
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Tell Your Life Story
    Everyone has a life story. This is your chance to share yours. The Official Hear Your Story Collection Everyone has a life story. This is your chance to share yours. Leave a legacy with this guided journal to sharing your cherished memories, hard-earned wisdom, and proudest achievements. From bestselling creator of the Hear Your Story series Jeffrey Mason, Tell Your...
    Paperback
    $2099
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Hunger Code
    From the author of the multi-million-copy bestseller The Obesity Code comes The Hunger Code. For generations, we've accepted the story that weight loss never lasts - that as soon as you go off your diet or stop taking your medication you will revert to your old self and regain weight, and the dieting journey will start all over again. But...
    Paperback
    $3200
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Shadows of Navarre (Fourth Wing) Midi Lined Hardcover Journal
    Rebecca Yarros reignited the romantasy genre with the release of Fourth Wing (2023), the first book in her Empyrean series. Centered around 20-year-old dragon-rider recruit Violet Sorrengail, the series defies traditional fantasy tropes by offering readers a female hero who is both formidable and deeply human.
    Hardback
    $3295
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Kara-ori (Japanese Kimono) Bookmark
    Showcasing silk dyed with beni (the pigment extracted from safflower petals) and lacquered in gold, this kimono design dates to the Edo period (1615–1868), when it was used as a costume for the theatrical style known as Noh. Kara-ori refers specifically to the exquisitely embroidered women's kimono that traditional Noh theatre was known for.
    Miscellaneous print
    $795
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Dazzas Cooked
    This book is a celebration of Darren’s biggest hits, the recipes that put Ashby Pies on the map. Inside Dazza’s Cooked you will find chapters including: – Pies: beef cheek and cheese, roast lamb and rosemary, smoked fish pie.– Corner Bakery: bacon, beer and cheese scones, cinnamon buns, apple turnovers.– Snacks: sticky chicken nibbles, fish crudo, lamb ribs.– Meat: pork...
    Hardback
    $4499
    Elsewhere:
    $4999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Magic of Wicked (Wicked Collection) Bookmark
    Miscellaneous print
    $750
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Kim A Journey Between Worlds
    Born Māori (Ngātikahungunu), raised Pakeha, Kim Rangiaonui Logan's father was commander in D Company, 8th Māori Battalion, but returned from war a damaged man, unable to cope with his children. But this is no misery memoir. Kim climbed away, literally - Everest, Aorangi Mt Cook, anywhere, to love and contentment, and in the process reconnected with his Whakapapa. Now living...
    Paperback
    $5500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • What We Did to Survive
    A vacation in paradise turns deadly when four teens' sailing charter hits stormy seas in this propulsive new thriller from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Megan Lally! What We Did to Survive follows Hannah, who can't wait to spend spring break with her best friend, Emmy, and her family. A week at a resort in Mexico is...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Meeting Place
    Paperback
    $4400
    Elsewhere:
    $4999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Australia Wall Map Laminated Paper Handy Map 745 x 620
    Wall map of Australia featuring Hema's customary mapping detail including National Parks, major road networks, and distances. Single-sided map in four sizes and your choice of finish from unlaminated, laminated (encapsulation) and laminated paper. Available in three finishes andΒ fourΒ sizes as follows:Β  Finish Laminated paper - mass-produced by a third-party printer Laminated encapsulated - high quality produced by Hema Maps Photo...
    Paperback
    $3995
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.