“Though ours is an age of high technology, the essence of what engineering is and what engineers do is not common knowledge. Even the most elementary of princ

Examines the process of engineering design and explains what can be learned by studying unsuccessful designs and the reasons for their failure

Argues that failures in structural engineering are not necessarily due to the physical design of the structures, but instead a misunderstanding of how cultural

This book examines the importance of engineering design as well as society's ability to respond to design flaws.

Science/Engineering "Petroski has an inquisitive mind, and he is a fine writer. . . . [He] takes us on a lively tour of engineers, their creations and their nec