EXACTLY: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World by Simon Winchester, Simon Winchester

4.04 AVERAGE

claym's review against another edition

3.5
informative slow-paced

heyoitsmax's review against another edition

5.0
informative reflective medium-paced

cbaycity's review against another edition

3.0
This was fine

A very detailed book about how various objects with strict performance requirements are made. It is best describing the history of making things precisely pre ww2 but then seems slowly end with more boring topics.

flagstaff's review against another edition

4.0
Found the Youtube channel Asianomitry that deeply explained what in involved in EUV lithography which is the mentioned in this book pretty much at the end. And like when I can't comprehend communication protocols I find it helpful to go back the telegraph and go through the evolution of wire communication, radio, packet switching, to what we use today. This book does the same for the physical and the road to precision. Very much enjoyed it.

sophowen98's review against another edition

3.0
challenging informative slow-paced

tommy_castle's review against another edition

4.0
Excellent overview of the evolution of precision over the years. While the chapter on semi-conductors lost me a bit, the author makes up for it with the next chapter focusing on Japan (Seiko in particular).

tcpekin's review against another edition

4.25
informative medium-paced

peaches1951's review against another edition

4.0
Sounds dull, doesn't it? What a boring title. But I loved this book. Winchester's writing sings, and his fascination with his subject is infectious. Did you know that the mechanization of making block-and-tackle for British ships (initially) changed the history of the world? How one tiny missed flaw can bring down a jet? How locks were invented, the development of GPS, the ball-point pen? You'll never look at a ballpoint pen the same way again. This is great story-telling. Highly recommended.

leosaumure's review against another edition

5.0
This was such a great book! Totally outside my regular wheelhouse, but I'm so glad I got to read it. Simon Winchester is a marvelous writer and makes even the topic of screw threads interesting!

schwarmgiven's review against another edition

3.0
I loved this book--super fun stories, great overall premise, amazing read! Strongly recommended for everyone.

Seiko watch stories near the end were likely my favorite, but the history stuff on like Ford and other classic industrialists is great. CALTECH shows up frequently which I love. UCLA not so much...

The Bertrand Russell quote about Charles Sanders Peirce blew my mind. Great book.