How Do They Do That? by Caroline Sutton

by Caroline Sutton

vintage book

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Trivia, Science

Paperback

First published June 1, 1981

Reviews

[Eddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good bathroom reader. Short articles on how different things work. I found several times though that the actual question isn't answered so much as a good story is told around what happens rather than how it happens. Either way, my biggest negative is that this was written in the early 80's so some of the explanations are kind of out dated. My second biggest is that some of the more heavy explanations sometimes weren't simple enough. But it is interesting enough to keep you occupied while on the throne.

[Ahmed Haamed · Rating 5 out of 5]

تتحدث الكاتبة عن كيفية عمل بعض الإختراعات الحديثة التي قام العلماء بتطويرها او اختراعها خدمة للبشر وتسهيلا لحياتهم إذ أن الكثير من هذه الإختراعات والإبتكارات بنيت على أفكار معظمها بسيط إلا أننا لم نفكر من ذي قبل في كيفية عمل هذه الإختراعات والإبتكارات من كثرة تعودنا عليها واستخدامنا لها في حياتنا اليومية ومن بين تلك الإبتكارات كيفية توليد الكهرباء وكيفية حفر الأنفاق تحت الأنهار وكيفية احصاء عدد الحيوانات وكيفية عمل إختراعات أخرى كثيرة.

[Farrah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was dry and the author's centrifugal approach to the topics sometimes left more questions than answers. This was probably ground-breaking in 1982, when it was first published, but it doesn't hold up to the times--surely that wasn't its intent, so it doesn't matter (don't call me Shirley)

[Desira · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was interesting, both for the things it explains I knew nothing about, and the inevitable datedness of it, as the internet and computer technology was about to change so very many things when this was published. a random old book that has been on my shelf for a long time.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a lot like reading pre-wikipedia in a time bubble. Some of the explanations are likely no longer accurate, and some didn't interest me. Others were interesting enough to read out loud to my husband. How they cleaned the windows of the world trade center did make me cringe.

[Chris Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting information, but very dated

[Brett Feinstein · Rating 2 out of 5]

Outdated book that tries to answer a variety of trivia. Some of the answers are convoluted and near impossible to follow. Others are thin and underwritten. Basically this weak bathroom reading.

[Lenny Husen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 3 star book, but gave it 4 stars for Historical significance. I apparently bought this book at the Smithsonian Museum giftshop back in 2000 or so, and didn't realize (until I started reading it in 2013) that it was published in 1981!
So there are a lot of unintentionally humorous references to "IBM Selectric" typewriters and "soon they will have a 9 digit Zip Code" and how do Polaroid cameras work as well as poignant ones " How do they wash the windows of the World Trade Center?" Sidebar: Today happens to be 9/11/13.
The book is a snapshot of life in 1980 when it was written.
It does contains some moderating interesting stuff that is timeless, about Honeybees, Swordswallowers and other stuff one wonders about.
Criticism: really could have used some better writing or amusing reflections to spice up the entries. Occasionally there is something great when the author quotes someone but mostly it reads like a newspaper, kind of dull, informative and matter-of-fact.
I feel a bit better educated now. You can tell the author did extensive research.

[Mohammed Sa'adallah · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب رائع في كتب العلوم الطبيعية! يطرح تسائلا ثم يجيبه بأسلوب علمي سهل ممتنع؛ دون تعقيد؛ تساؤلات مثل: كيف يصنع الثلج الناشف ؟ ، كيف تعلق الجسور المعلقة ؟ كيف تُحصى النجوم في الكون ؟ ، كيف يطفئون بئر نفط مشتعلة ؟ تساؤلات كثيرة عن أشياء تحيط بنا! أشياء بسيطه قد تجول في خاطرنا، و قد لا نجد لها إجابات كافية، لذا هذه الأسئلة و غيرها الكثير الكثير تجدون إجاباته في هذا الكتاب وهو جزئين؛ الكتاب عبارة عن 85 سؤال يبدأ ب ( كيف ) مع إجابات وافيه وسهله.

[Df · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever wonder how they get lead in a pencil?Thanks to this book I have answers to many of lifes mosst common questions.This book has all sorts of questions from how big is the universe? and how do they cut diamonds.The book all gives the evidence and proper research on why and how these things happen.

[Donovan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great for answers for very common questions like how do they get pencil lead in pencils.The book is good for children and creative minds.The book is fun and quick to read and is and excellent gift.

[SmarterLilac · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for the trivia fiend (though I really doubt all of the information in it is in any sense of the term still current.)