The Perfectionists is a compelling history of precision engineering and its impact on the modern world. Simon Winchester tells the fascinating story of how obsessed engineers developed increasingly accurate ways to measure time, distance, weight, and volume – leading to astonishing breakthroughs in science and technology. From classical mechanics to quantum physics, from clockmakers to architects, The Perfectionists reveals how precision engineering has shaped our understanding of the Universe and everything in it.
For who is this book for ?
The Perfectionists is for anyone interested in the history of science and technology, and in how obsession and precision have led to astonishing breakthroughs.
Pros :
- The Perfectionists is a well-researched and informative book about the history of precision engineering
- Simon Winchester is an excellent writer, and he brings the story to life in a compelling way
- The Perfectionists provides readers with a fascinating look at how precision engineering has shaped our world
Cons :
- The author skips over important people and events in the history of precision engineering.
- The book is too dense for casual readers.
- Precision engineering isn’t interesting to most people.
Learn more about the author
Simon Winchester is a journalist, author and broadcaster. He has written more than twenty books, including The Professor and the Madman (1998), which was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize; Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded (2003), which won both the British Academy’s Silver Award and Duff Cooper Prize; Tokyo (2005); Atlantic (2009), winner of National Book Critics Circle Award for General Nonfiction; and The Men Who United the States(2013). His latest book is Eastern Approaches(2017).He has also written and presented numerous documentaries for BBC Radio 4.
Reader Reviews
“The Perfectionists is a beautifully written and highly engaging exploration of the history of precision engineering. Winchester convincingly demonstrates how obsessed engineers have developed increasingly accurate ways to measure time, distance, weight and volume – leading to astonishing breakthroughs in science and technology. This book provides an excellent overview of the key players and developments in this fascinating field, making it essential reading for anyone with an interest in science or technology.”
“If you’re at all interested in science, technology, engineering or mathematics then The Perfectionists is a book I wholeheartedly recommend.”
“Simon Winchester has done it again! A tour de force of the history and meaning of precision engineering in our modern world. It’s a geekfest that everyone can enjoy!”
“No one understands the story of precision engineering better than Winchester, and in The Perfectionists he has created a compelling history that is as informative as it is entertaining.”
