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The Book: The Ultimate Guide To Rebuilding Civilization
The book - is our tribute to the human imagination, to the ability to think outside the canvas of ordinary reality, it is made for dreamers by dreamers. This book is inspired by humanity, which in turn is constantly inspired by nature and the insights that it provides.
Insight is not something that belongs to man, it is something that happens to him. As if a bright flashlight suddenly illuminates the secret underside of the universe and you are struck by how precisely and elegantly and thoughtfully everything around you is arranged.
Dedicating this book to the insights and inventions themselves, we didn't talk about the authors of the inventions, so it was fair to remove our names from the cover as well, making the book a mysterious artifact.
And we really hope that you find it really fascinating, thought-provoking and in many ways precious.
Insight is not something that belongs to man, it is something that happens to him. As if a bright flashlight suddenly illuminates the secret underside of the universe and you are struck by how precisely and elegantly and thoughtfully everything around you is arranged.
Dedicating this book to the insights and inventions themselves, we didn't talk about the authors of the inventions, so it was fair to remove our names from the cover as well, making the book a mysterious artifact.
And we really hope that you find it really fascinating, thought-provoking and in many ways precious.
409 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2023
179 people are currently reading
7346 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 21, 2025
Would I pack this book in my bugout bag if the end were near?
No. I'd tear a few key pages from it and hoof it.
Is it interesting and beautifully illustrated?
Yes.
Is it worth the $120 price tag?
No.
Is it worth half that?
Yes.
Now, if I were truly rebuilding society and had a team, skilled in all the necessary fields to execute the contents of the book, would I bring it then?
Yes.
90% of the contents laid the groundwork for the modern world we enjoy today.
So, in essence, this is a good jumping off point for those interested in learning some basic, fundamental survival information like: starting a fire or making penicillin. Though it's not going to help you build a set of binoculars or a gasifier. For the more complex items, you'd need to do your own research and put together a companion reference guide. And then maybe hire a team of experts to execute it.
But let's be real, this isn't really a book about rebuilding society. It's a book about innovations and inventions which were pivotal to the modern world we enjoy today. Plus, it's a fascinating read and it does prompt the mind to ask questions and that's always a good thing.
No. I'd tear a few key pages from it and hoof it.
Is it interesting and beautifully illustrated?
Yes.
Is it worth the $120 price tag?
No.
Is it worth half that?
Yes.
Now, if I were truly rebuilding society and had a team, skilled in all the necessary fields to execute the contents of the book, would I bring it then?
Yes.
90% of the contents laid the groundwork for the modern world we enjoy today.
So, in essence, this is a good jumping off point for those interested in learning some basic, fundamental survival information like: starting a fire or making penicillin. Though it's not going to help you build a set of binoculars or a gasifier. For the more complex items, you'd need to do your own research and put together a companion reference guide. And then maybe hire a team of experts to execute it.
But let's be real, this isn't really a book about rebuilding society. It's a book about innovations and inventions which were pivotal to the modern world we enjoy today. Plus, it's a fascinating read and it does prompt the mind to ask questions and that's always a good thing.
January 28, 2024
4.5/5 🌟
A great guide to learn about all kinds of topics to be able to survive and enjoy life.
The illustrations on every single page were probably the best part of the book, but I also learned a ton of stuff that I never thought of before. Do you know how penicillin is made? If not, you should definitely look it up.
I especially enjoyed the first third and the last third of the book, where it is all about basic survival skills as well as the more entertaining sides of society, e.g. art, music, games, storytelling, fancy food. The middle of the book includes a lot of complicated explanations about engineering, chemistry, physics and the like, which went right over my head. I might have skipped a few paragraphs because of that.
There is also quite a lot of humour hidden inside. The book inserts itself from time to time in the illustrations. There are fun references to spot, such as a hidden laser sword among more traditional weapons, which form a well-known throne from a certain fantasy book series. Or a depicition of Medusa looking into a mirror. And the written text itself can be quite fun as well.
A great guide to learn about all kinds of topics to be able to survive and enjoy life.
The illustrations on every single page were probably the best part of the book, but I also learned a ton of stuff that I never thought of before. Do you know how penicillin is made? If not, you should definitely look it up.
I especially enjoyed the first third and the last third of the book, where it is all about basic survival skills as well as the more entertaining sides of society, e.g. art, music, games, storytelling, fancy food. The middle of the book includes a lot of complicated explanations about engineering, chemistry, physics and the like, which went right over my head. I might have skipped a few paragraphs because of that.
There is also quite a lot of humour hidden inside. The book inserts itself from time to time in the illustrations. There are fun references to spot, such as a hidden laser sword among more traditional weapons, which form a well-known throne from a certain fantasy book series. Or a depicition of Medusa looking into a mirror. And the written text itself can be quite fun as well.
May 14, 2023
An interesting book in that it gives hints of how various objects needed for anything greater than a primitive civilization are built and how they work. I say hints because on many pages there are many complicated things that are assumed to be simple. If you are doing metal work, smelting ore into useful metal may require a handful of types of ore with no clue how to obtain that ore. When chemistry is mentioned, some chemicals are quite toxic, yet no realistic information on dealing with these toxic subjects is mentioned.
Overall the book does give a broad overview of many items and gives clues on how you might build these items.
Overall the book does give a broad overview of many items and gives clues on how you might build these items.
September 23, 2023
This book was one of the most beautiful, joy bringing, useful things I bought this year. It is divinely illustrated in a steam punk style and depicts the basic functioning of most of humanity's most important achievements. Should civilization collapse, I hope who survives will find this amidst the rubble of my house and be able to restart. Of course I feel many things should of been described better, especially childbirth. But it would realistically take hundreds of books to go more in depth of most things, this is a meant to be a quick guide. But all in all it is a wonder to behold and a collectors item.
A must have in everyone's library. Buy it. Really. I hope it gets translated in other languages too.
A must have in everyone's library. Buy it. Really. I hope it gets translated in other languages too.
January 31, 2024
⭐REVIEW: The Ultimate Guide To
Rebuilding A Civilization
🤔 Have you ever imagined visiting the past with full
knowledge of modern information and technology? If
you told people from the Middle Ages or Ancient Egypt
about a telephone, a car, or electricity, they would take
you for a deity or a superhero. But do you actually
know how these things work?
📌 Most people know very little about how such
inventions of our civilization, like a plow, a mill, a blast
furnace, or glass are made and how they work. Most
people have no idea and never desire to discover how
the things that make our civilization work.
📖 This catchy, witty compilation of inventions, filled
with beautiful illustrations, is a wonderful gift for
collectors, enthusiasts, and curious minds.
✨ The intriguing illustrations that combine engineering
drawings and medieval art depict the structure of
devices and materials in many forms, throwing you into
a beautiful world of structures, objects, processes, and
inventions.
👨🎨 The art creatively employed to explain things is one
of the most fascinating I've seen recently. Don't get me
wrong, I love books, but this was almost divine. I lose
myself reading this art book, which spikes my curiosity
and makes me eager to understand how things work in
our civilization.
Why should I read it❓
📌 If you are fascinated by technical, military, medical,
and artistic inventions, you will undoubtedly love this
book. If you ever wonder how beer, silk, roads, wine,
coffee, lightbulbs, and electricity are made and work,
you must check this book out.
📖 This book is for anyone who wants to expand their
horizons and is never satisfied with learning new
things. It is for those curious minds who never want to
settle and retain their childlike nature.
Rebuilding A Civilization
🤔 Have you ever imagined visiting the past with full
knowledge of modern information and technology? If
you told people from the Middle Ages or Ancient Egypt
about a telephone, a car, or electricity, they would take
you for a deity or a superhero. But do you actually
know how these things work?
📌 Most people know very little about how such
inventions of our civilization, like a plow, a mill, a blast
furnace, or glass are made and how they work. Most
people have no idea and never desire to discover how
the things that make our civilization work.
📖 This catchy, witty compilation of inventions, filled
with beautiful illustrations, is a wonderful gift for
collectors, enthusiasts, and curious minds.
✨ The intriguing illustrations that combine engineering
drawings and medieval art depict the structure of
devices and materials in many forms, throwing you into
a beautiful world of structures, objects, processes, and
inventions.
👨🎨 The art creatively employed to explain things is one
of the most fascinating I've seen recently. Don't get me
wrong, I love books, but this was almost divine. I lose
myself reading this art book, which spikes my curiosity
and makes me eager to understand how things work in
our civilization.
Why should I read it❓
📌 If you are fascinated by technical, military, medical,
and artistic inventions, you will undoubtedly love this
book. If you ever wonder how beer, silk, roads, wine,
coffee, lightbulbs, and electricity are made and work,
you must check this book out.
📖 This book is for anyone who wants to expand their
horizons and is never satisfied with learning new
things. It is for those curious minds who never want to
settle and retain their childlike nature.
July 19, 2024
This is a fun coffee table book! You must understand, this book is more of an artistic endeavor-a survey of lots of things! The illustrations are gorgeous and the quality is decent. Do not count on depth or instructions/blueprints. It was a frivolous purchase for me, but I predict it to be endlessly enjoyable for flipping through. I didn’t pay out of pocket, really, just with saved-up gift cards—-it’s very expensive, and perhaps not worth full price? As long as you stay with the perspective that this more entertainment than education, most will enjoy.
June 21, 2023
Waited a long time dor this book, and it was worth every minute. It’s a big heavy book, but if the apocalypse starts tomorrow this has to travel with me ;-)… some parts are even useful now. (Like I’ve been looking for a clear recipe to make chocolate, trying this one out this weekend) + very beautiful illustrations!
December 4, 2023
In the spirit of a lot of older works, or an encyclopedia, a collection of a (rather idiosyncratically chosen) popular-level guide to how a lot of basic inventions work. I'll keep it on my shelf but there are better older books. I took a star off because the physical binding on this edition is poor; it's already tearing off and I've barely started to handle it.
February 21, 2025
Some of the negative reviews I've seen for this book aren't taking it on the merits of what it is. Instead they're looking at what they want it to be.
If you're going into this expecting a how-to book on rebuilding civilization, it's not for you. This isn't a prepper manual.
It's an art book. A wonderfully illustrated art book that's a great conversation piece, a prompt for further reading and research, or just a lovely way to while away a few hours.
If you're going into this expecting a how-to book on rebuilding civilization, it's not for you. This isn't a prepper manual.
It's an art book. A wonderfully illustrated art book that's a great conversation piece, a prompt for further reading and research, or just a lovely way to while away a few hours.
December 26, 2024
This book was amazing. Starting from the idea to the intricate and lovely drawings that include so many Easter eggs from pop culture. However many explanations are really not detailed enough to diy. I realize that it would be impassible to do this in a single book but in some topics that I was more knowledgeable I realized that the information could be presented better and more complete.
November 16, 2024
Grazie Stefania è bellissimissimo
Read
February 3, 2025Briefly touches on a plethora of humanity’s inventions paired with lush illustrations. The chances of me ever actually using this information is practically nil.
Want to read
December 6, 2025You know when someone loves you by the thought he or she puts into thinking about you in a gift they give. I am so looking forward to this book as part of my home school reading material. I was stuck for science projects and now I am going to have a huge supply of projects from real life to read through and understand. My dad bought this book from the publisher and it will arrive in January.
The book is expensive but it is not the cost that is important. It is the thought behind the gift. My dad says this book will inspire me and encourage me, and the many reviews here say the same idea. I really wish I could write this as an update instead of as a review - but Goodreads....
The book is expensive but it is not the cost that is important. It is the thought behind the gift. My dad says this book will inspire me and encourage me, and the many reviews here say the same idea. I really wish I could write this as an update instead of as a review - but Goodreads....
November 13, 2024
READ THE GERMAN VERSION - ISBN: 978-3-911408-00-4
Deine Hochkultur ist den Bach runtergegangen und Du hängst mit den letzten paar Menschen auf der Erde fest? Hast keine Ahnung, wie es nun weitergehen soll? Nun, dieses Buch wird Abhilfe schaffen! Eine Menge Wissen und geniale Illustrationen können Dir dabei helfen, eine neue Zivilisation zu gründen!
Zu „THE BOOK – Der ultimative Wegweiser zum Wiederaufbau einer Zivilisation“ von Hungry Minds
FAKTEN
Das Werk „THE BOOK – Der ultimative Wegweiser zum Wiederaufbau einer Zivilisation“ von Hungry Minds ist im Deutschen im September 2024 beim Verlag We Mind Publishing erschienen. Es ist ausschließlich als hochwertiges Hardcover erhältlich.
KURZMEINUNG
Ansprechend, wie lehrreich gestaltet, beinhaltet dieses Werk tatsächlich eine Menge Wissen, das sowohl als Überlebensguide als auch Nachschlagewerk fungieren kann. Großartig!
KLAPPENTEXT
Lernen Sie Geschichte einfach mit dem ultimativen Leitfaden zum Wiederaufbau einer Zivilisation.
Strukturiertes Buch. Das Geschichtsbuch über antike Zivilisationen enthält 400 Seiten mit Entdeckungen in den Hauptbereichen: Medizin, Grundmaterialien, Mechanismen, Militärkunst, Herd und Heim, Landwirtschaft, Unterhaltung, Musikinstrumente und Gesellschaft. Wir haben eine klare Struktur, hochwertige Texte und detaillierte Bilder kombiniert, um Sie vollständig in die Geschichte eintauchen zu lassen.
Elegantes Coffee-Table-Buch. Atmen Sie nach einem langen Arbeitstag aus, öffnen Sie auf einer beliebigen Seite lehrreiche und unterhaltsame Bücher für Erwachsene und lassen Sie sich in ein anderes Universum erstaunlicher Entdeckungen entführen. Unsere interessanten Bücher für Männer sehen aus wie ein Meisterwerk, sodass Sie es gerne in den Händen halten und die Seiten umblättern können.
Für Homeschooling & zur Befriedigung von Neugier. Erfahren Sie mehr über Erfindungen, die die Menschheitsgeschichte maßgeblich beeinflusst haben. Nutzen Sie das Buch des Wissens, um Geschichte mit Ihren Kindern zu studieren oder Ihren Horizont zu erweitern. Es gibt nichts Besseres, als nach einem langen Tag in einige der besten Geschichten der Welt einzutauchen.
Inspiriert von einem kindlichen Traum. Das Geschichtsbuch von Hungry Minds entstand dank des unermüdlichen Interesses eines Kindes. Woraus würde ich eine Bogensehne machen, wenn ich im Mittelalter leben würde? Dies ist eine der Fragen, die unserem Gründer in seiner Kindheit kamen. Er dachte vor dem Schlafengehen darüber nach und überprüfte die Fakten am Morgen. Das Buch vereint Forschungsinteressen, wissenschaftliche Fakten und talentierte Zeichnungen, damit jedes Kind, unabhängig vom Alter, die Geschichte genießen kann.
SCHREIBSTIL & MEHR
Dieses Werk hat mich schon beim Aufschlagen begeistert. Die Illustrationen sind großartig. Durch den Zeichenstil hat man direkt den Eindruck, man schlägt ein uraltes Werk auf, das vor Hunderten Jahren geschrieben wurde, um den Menschen dereinst zu helfen, wieder auf die Füße zu kommen.
Auch die Texte sind nicht etwa umständlich geschrieben. Vielmehr leiten sie in einer gut zu lesenden und verständlichen Sprache Schritt für Schritt an, was im jeweiligen Fall zu tun und/oder zu beachten ist.
THE BOOK ist für mich sowohl Nachschlagewerk als auch Lexikon und Überlebensguide. Manche Angaben mögen eventuell veraltet sein, aber sie werden funktionieren. Den Verfassern dieses Werkes war es nämlich ein Anliegen, alles möglichst korrekt darzustellen – und das merkt man durchaus.
Neben dem vielen Wissen macht dieses Werk auch einfach Freude, wenn man es durchblättert. Man stolpert dann hin und wieder über Dinge, die man nur halb wusste oder über die man sich vorher noch nie Gedanken gemacht hat. Es ist zwar kein Buch, um es in einem Rutsch durchzulesen – weshalb es auch so lange gedauert hat, ehe ich meine Rezension geschrieben habe –, aber man kann darin dennoch nach Herzenslust schmökern.
Die Gliederung hilft auch dabei, einzelne Themen schnell zu finden. Wir haben beispielsweise Unterteilungen wie Mechanik, Pflanzen, Spiele, Medizin und mehr. Ein Füllhorn für Interessierte, Wissbegierige und solche, die gern in solchen Werken stöbern.
Nun, ich könnte mir jetzt einen Wecker herstellen, mein Immunsystem anregen oder versuchen, mir eine Belagerungsmaschine herzustellen. Wobei ich es gleichermaßen sinnvoll wie unnötig finde, Waffen mit einzubeziehen. Aber man kennt den Menschen. Und Waffen dienen ja auch zum Jagen, nicht nur zum gegenseitigen Bekämpfen …
Das Werk erhebt keinesfalls den Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit und einige Themen hätten mich tatsächlich noch ein wenig mehr in der Tiefe interessiert, jedoch schlägt sich das nicht negativ auf dieses Buch hier nieder. Denn es gibt ja zu dieser Zeit noch andere Quellen, die ich dazu befragen kann. ;)
FAZIT
Ein rundum stimmiges Werk, das in seiner Aufmachung und textlichen Gestaltung ansprechend und leicht verständlich ist. Es lädt ein zu Schmökern, seinen Wissensdurst zu stillen und dabei Freude zu haben. Ich finde, das ist eine gelungene Mischung!
©Teja Ciolczyk, 13.11.2024
Deine Hochkultur ist den Bach runtergegangen und Du hängst mit den letzten paar Menschen auf der Erde fest? Hast keine Ahnung, wie es nun weitergehen soll? Nun, dieses Buch wird Abhilfe schaffen! Eine Menge Wissen und geniale Illustrationen können Dir dabei helfen, eine neue Zivilisation zu gründen!
Zu „THE BOOK – Der ultimative Wegweiser zum Wiederaufbau einer Zivilisation“ von Hungry Minds
FAKTEN
Das Werk „THE BOOK – Der ultimative Wegweiser zum Wiederaufbau einer Zivilisation“ von Hungry Minds ist im Deutschen im September 2024 beim Verlag We Mind Publishing erschienen. Es ist ausschließlich als hochwertiges Hardcover erhältlich.
KURZMEINUNG
Ansprechend, wie lehrreich gestaltet, beinhaltet dieses Werk tatsächlich eine Menge Wissen, das sowohl als Überlebensguide als auch Nachschlagewerk fungieren kann. Großartig!
KLAPPENTEXT
Lernen Sie Geschichte einfach mit dem ultimativen Leitfaden zum Wiederaufbau einer Zivilisation.
Strukturiertes Buch. Das Geschichtsbuch über antike Zivilisationen enthält 400 Seiten mit Entdeckungen in den Hauptbereichen: Medizin, Grundmaterialien, Mechanismen, Militärkunst, Herd und Heim, Landwirtschaft, Unterhaltung, Musikinstrumente und Gesellschaft. Wir haben eine klare Struktur, hochwertige Texte und detaillierte Bilder kombiniert, um Sie vollständig in die Geschichte eintauchen zu lassen.
Elegantes Coffee-Table-Buch. Atmen Sie nach einem langen Arbeitstag aus, öffnen Sie auf einer beliebigen Seite lehrreiche und unterhaltsame Bücher für Erwachsene und lassen Sie sich in ein anderes Universum erstaunlicher Entdeckungen entführen. Unsere interessanten Bücher für Männer sehen aus wie ein Meisterwerk, sodass Sie es gerne in den Händen halten und die Seiten umblättern können.
Für Homeschooling & zur Befriedigung von Neugier. Erfahren Sie mehr über Erfindungen, die die Menschheitsgeschichte maßgeblich beeinflusst haben. Nutzen Sie das Buch des Wissens, um Geschichte mit Ihren Kindern zu studieren oder Ihren Horizont zu erweitern. Es gibt nichts Besseres, als nach einem langen Tag in einige der besten Geschichten der Welt einzutauchen.
Inspiriert von einem kindlichen Traum. Das Geschichtsbuch von Hungry Minds entstand dank des unermüdlichen Interesses eines Kindes. Woraus würde ich eine Bogensehne machen, wenn ich im Mittelalter leben würde? Dies ist eine der Fragen, die unserem Gründer in seiner Kindheit kamen. Er dachte vor dem Schlafengehen darüber nach und überprüfte die Fakten am Morgen. Das Buch vereint Forschungsinteressen, wissenschaftliche Fakten und talentierte Zeichnungen, damit jedes Kind, unabhängig vom Alter, die Geschichte genießen kann.
SCHREIBSTIL & MEHR
Dieses Werk hat mich schon beim Aufschlagen begeistert. Die Illustrationen sind großartig. Durch den Zeichenstil hat man direkt den Eindruck, man schlägt ein uraltes Werk auf, das vor Hunderten Jahren geschrieben wurde, um den Menschen dereinst zu helfen, wieder auf die Füße zu kommen.
Auch die Texte sind nicht etwa umständlich geschrieben. Vielmehr leiten sie in einer gut zu lesenden und verständlichen Sprache Schritt für Schritt an, was im jeweiligen Fall zu tun und/oder zu beachten ist.
THE BOOK ist für mich sowohl Nachschlagewerk als auch Lexikon und Überlebensguide. Manche Angaben mögen eventuell veraltet sein, aber sie werden funktionieren. Den Verfassern dieses Werkes war es nämlich ein Anliegen, alles möglichst korrekt darzustellen – und das merkt man durchaus.
Neben dem vielen Wissen macht dieses Werk auch einfach Freude, wenn man es durchblättert. Man stolpert dann hin und wieder über Dinge, die man nur halb wusste oder über die man sich vorher noch nie Gedanken gemacht hat. Es ist zwar kein Buch, um es in einem Rutsch durchzulesen – weshalb es auch so lange gedauert hat, ehe ich meine Rezension geschrieben habe –, aber man kann darin dennoch nach Herzenslust schmökern.
Die Gliederung hilft auch dabei, einzelne Themen schnell zu finden. Wir haben beispielsweise Unterteilungen wie Mechanik, Pflanzen, Spiele, Medizin und mehr. Ein Füllhorn für Interessierte, Wissbegierige und solche, die gern in solchen Werken stöbern.
Nun, ich könnte mir jetzt einen Wecker herstellen, mein Immunsystem anregen oder versuchen, mir eine Belagerungsmaschine herzustellen. Wobei ich es gleichermaßen sinnvoll wie unnötig finde, Waffen mit einzubeziehen. Aber man kennt den Menschen. Und Waffen dienen ja auch zum Jagen, nicht nur zum gegenseitigen Bekämpfen …
Das Werk erhebt keinesfalls den Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit und einige Themen hätten mich tatsächlich noch ein wenig mehr in der Tiefe interessiert, jedoch schlägt sich das nicht negativ auf dieses Buch hier nieder. Denn es gibt ja zu dieser Zeit noch andere Quellen, die ich dazu befragen kann. ;)
FAZIT
Ein rundum stimmiges Werk, das in seiner Aufmachung und textlichen Gestaltung ansprechend und leicht verständlich ist. Es lädt ein zu Schmökern, seinen Wissensdurst zu stillen und dabei Freude zu haben. Ich finde, das ist eine gelungene Mischung!
©Teja Ciolczyk, 13.11.2024
October 11, 2025
I got this book as a birthday present and it is an amazing piece of visual art. The imagery is stunning; there are many memes, historical parallels, and the quality of the pictures is amazing. The text is weaker, especially if you compare it to Ryan North’s “How to Invent Everything.” Actually, I am not sure whether this book should be read as one single piece or if it’s just a so-called coffee table book? But actually, I loved it—there are still a lot of new things I learned and the visuals are just breathtaking!
October 17, 2025
Idea di base molto interessante ma richiede delle conoscenze di base che una normale persona non ha in caso di uno scenario apocalittico.
November 23, 2024
Кніга ў чымсці паўтарае энцыклапедыі фармата "усё аб усім", якія чытаў у дзяцінстве, але яе адрознівае падыход, дзе нібы цэлёвай аўдыторыяй з'яўляюцца людзі будычыні, якім трэба з нуля ствараць цывілізацыю. Кніга вельмі прыгожая візуальна (таму раю глядзець папяровую версію) - некаторыя малюнкі здзіўляюць мастацкай фантазіяй, хаця часам і пужаюць. Пры гэтым тут крыху спрэчны выбар тэм - напрыклад, у частцы пра базавае выжыванне ёсць артыкул пра гатаванне мыла, з рэферэнсамі ў бок фільма "Байцоўскі клуб". Ці даволі спрэчны выбар артыкулаў да той часткі, якая тычыцца грамадства. Шчыра кажучы, некаторыя моманты выглядаюць занадна недарэчна, што крыху псуе агульнае уражанне.
February 7, 2025
The illustrations are a work of art. Information wise I learned more from a different book with a similar aim of teaching how to reinvent civilization.
February 18, 2024
The intersection of whimsy and wisdom. If you wonder is it worth the money the answer to quote another brilliant book is yes a thousand times yes. Learn new and old skills wonder over stunning illustrations and ponder maybe as a species we can do big things better
August 4, 2024
Loved this so much! The artwork is incredible and this book does indeed cover most of the basics to keep humanity going. Definitely keeping this on my shelf in preparation for the collapse of society.
September 2, 2024
Great coffee table book.
December 13, 2024
Not the best for information but aesthetics are 10/10.
January 22, 2025
Diverse, informative, well crafted, and beautifully illustrated. A must have for any book collection.
January 9, 2025
Credo che questo libro sia stato scritto come ode alla biblioteca in quanto istituzione di pubblica utilitá. Infatti la fruizione di questo libro non puó avvenire se non tramite prestito bibliotecario, secondo me. É un'opera strana e curiosa, ma non posso credere che esista un pubblico a cui é davvero rivolta, oltre all'autore e ai suoi conoscenti. L'idea alla base del libro é carina, ma per esaurirla bastavano 50 pagine. In effetti, peró, é cosí lungo e poderoso che nell'eccesso trova anche un perché, una certa bellezza. I disegni sono belli (alcuni), carini (molti), dimenticabili (troppi). É troppo buffo e fantastico per essere preso seriamente, come una para-enciclopedia. É troppo lungo e inutilmente dettagliato per poterne fruire come di un'opera fantastica. Il prezzo é senza senso, semplicemente.
Credo sia un'operazione puramente estetica. Ed é giusto che non venga ristampata mai. Da prendere appunto in biblioteca, leggerlo con attenzione per non rovinare la carta, e riconsegnarlo il giorno dopo. Ma anche no.
Credo sia un'operazione puramente estetica. Ed é giusto che non venga ristampata mai. Da prendere appunto in biblioteca, leggerlo con attenzione per non rovinare la carta, e riconsegnarlo il giorno dopo. Ma anche no.
March 30, 2025
A glorious reading experience with lush, easter-egg-riddled illustrations on every over-sized page. The main wrestle was how to actually read the bloody thing without giving myself a hernia.
Purportedly a guide to re-starting civilization from scratch (and ain't that becoming more of a thing every day), the disclaimer right at the Start of the Book proclaims that it shouldn't be used for just that. Oh, the old bait and switch, minus the switch. Good times.
Look, it's a cracking read nonetheless, with bite-size snippets of pretty much every facet of civilization and how to get it going again. Moreso at the start of the book. As we delve deeper, there are a lot of assumptions made about prior knowledge, and by the end there were some spurious entries that kinda stretched the premise. But those glorious illustrations! And it's a hefty, over-sized tome that just looks the business, and works as a resource of a kind at a stretch. Just don't expect it to actually live up to its name if, and increasingly seeming likely, when the end of civilization actually comes about.
Purportedly a guide to re-starting civilization from scratch (and ain't that becoming more of a thing every day), the disclaimer right at the Start of the Book proclaims that it shouldn't be used for just that. Oh, the old bait and switch, minus the switch. Good times.
Look, it's a cracking read nonetheless, with bite-size snippets of pretty much every facet of civilization and how to get it going again. Moreso at the start of the book. As we delve deeper, there are a lot of assumptions made about prior knowledge, and by the end there were some spurious entries that kinda stretched the premise. But those glorious illustrations! And it's a hefty, over-sized tome that just looks the business, and works as a resource of a kind at a stretch. Just don't expect it to actually live up to its name if, and increasingly seeming likely, when the end of civilization actually comes about.
March 1, 2025
Speaking as a writer, artist and graphic designer I can testify to the fact that anyone employed or taking part in the creative art field is vastly underappreciated.
Don’t get me wrong, people like good drawings, paintings, graphic designs, music, dance, theatrical art and the like. They enjoy a good performance, a musician’s songs and actors and actresses on the stage, TV and in the movies.
No, I’m talking about the process of creating any kind of art. Most people look at a painting and see the image. What they don’t see are the hours of blood, sweat and tears that went into making the painting. The same goes for music composition, acting, dancing and so forth.
I taught art and graphic design and I told my students that, “Being in the creative arts is the most misunderstood, unappreciated and mis-categorized profession there is.”
“People are born with an artistic talent.” “They effortlessly create and perform their art.” NOT SO! Art of any type takes hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, time, struggle and practice, practice, practice!
In The Book, published by Hungry Minds, a great deal of combined artistic effort, research, vision and dogged determination shines through. It contains a massive amount of incredible work both with its illustrations and writing.
To say that I’m impressed would be a vast understatement and disservice to The Book. It is amazing!
I urge you, as the reader, to not just look at the book. Don’t skim over its ‘pretty’ pictures and text.
See The Book for what it is-an amazing collaboration between writers, designers, artists and print professionals clocking in at 400 pages. It’s The Ultimate Guide To Rebuilding Civilization!
Take the time to see The Book for the piece of art that it is. Appreciate that the effort was made to ensure the book was protected by a clear plastic and sealed slip-cover.
Let’s talk about the packaging. When the mailman handed me The Book’s package at first I though it was The Book itself with its Hungry Minds logo and decorated blue exterior. Then I noticed the clear tape running down its center and along its edges.
I carefully slit the tape and there it was-The Book--neatly tucked in the center of a four-side, folded, buffer and inner box. The Book itself was wrapped in its clear plastic and sealed protective slip.
Included with The Book was a deep blue postcard decorated with gold dragon image and on the reverse side was written a message from The Book creators also as line drawings. Even a facsimile postage stamp and cancelled delivery stamp were there.
Inside the box was a solid black, large envelope with a full-color, robotic hand illustration running from front to back.
On the flap was a 18+ Censored sticker in red and black. Inside was a separate fold-out illustrated mini-poster. It was apparent that the 18+ Censored label cautioned that the illustrations were of antiquated sex toys! On to The Book itself.
When you receive your copy remove The Book from its protective sleeve and ‘feel’ the thick, deep-blue cover stock of the book and run you hands over its embossed images printed in silver foil on its cover, spin and back cover, accented by four red corner dots.
Run you hand down the heavy spin with its tucked in hinged spines that allow the cover to easily open thus accommodating the thick interior paper stock pages to fan open with no binding. The pages are bound with red twine and glue.
Discover how the creators of The Book recreated the look of age with the interior paper-stock which is uncoated and is a light yellow-like parchment. See how careful attention is given to select the proper paper that will hold up to ink and color saturation. The images and paper are a perfect match. The Book even smells old!
Flip through the pages and think about how each illustration was created starting with sketches, composition, balance and page placement.
Realize and recognize how the artists were able to simulate various textures using simple lines, cross-hatching and feathering.
Ink drawings are colored with water color paint and include numbers that refer to instructions or specific objects. Look over the clever 'how-tos'.
Hearkening back to what I told my drawing students. “People fail to realize that any drawing or painting is a final version of countless sketches, failed attempts, corrections and compositions.”
Likewise the text was labored over. Each word was carefully selected and crafted to describe, educate and illustrate the story of the subjects presented.
The Book is more than a pleasant read-it is the end product of hours/days/months of creative collaboration resulting in a piece of work that deserves, that demands, an honored place on any library shelf. I intend to keep my copy in its shipping book for preservation.
Carefully look at each illustration to spot some critters, odd things and other out of place objects all tinged with an offbeat sense of visual humor.
The style of illustrations remind me of the Victorian, Edwardian and Industrial Eras. Do I detect a hint of Steampunk too?
Subjects are broken down in various categories:
First Things
Medicine
Plants
Animals
Food
Materials
Tools
Building
Mechanics
Optics
Electricity
Sailing
Aviation
Industry
Military
Everyday Life
Word
Art
Music
Human
Games
Delicatessen
Society
Illustrations literally take your breath away with their complexity and creativity.
Carefully read over each section, take in what is being said and shown. Learn, absorb the information and pass that knowledge along.
I congratulate the Hungry Minds creative team for their outstanding accomplishment and I promise that The Book will be placed in a very special section of my library.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Don’t get me wrong, people like good drawings, paintings, graphic designs, music, dance, theatrical art and the like. They enjoy a good performance, a musician’s songs and actors and actresses on the stage, TV and in the movies.
No, I’m talking about the process of creating any kind of art. Most people look at a painting and see the image. What they don’t see are the hours of blood, sweat and tears that went into making the painting. The same goes for music composition, acting, dancing and so forth.
I taught art and graphic design and I told my students that, “Being in the creative arts is the most misunderstood, unappreciated and mis-categorized profession there is.”
“People are born with an artistic talent.” “They effortlessly create and perform their art.” NOT SO! Art of any type takes hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, time, struggle and practice, practice, practice!
In The Book, published by Hungry Minds, a great deal of combined artistic effort, research, vision and dogged determination shines through. It contains a massive amount of incredible work both with its illustrations and writing.
To say that I’m impressed would be a vast understatement and disservice to The Book. It is amazing!
I urge you, as the reader, to not just look at the book. Don’t skim over its ‘pretty’ pictures and text.
See The Book for what it is-an amazing collaboration between writers, designers, artists and print professionals clocking in at 400 pages. It’s The Ultimate Guide To Rebuilding Civilization!
Take the time to see The Book for the piece of art that it is. Appreciate that the effort was made to ensure the book was protected by a clear plastic and sealed slip-cover.
Let’s talk about the packaging. When the mailman handed me The Book’s package at first I though it was The Book itself with its Hungry Minds logo and decorated blue exterior. Then I noticed the clear tape running down its center and along its edges.
I carefully slit the tape and there it was-The Book--neatly tucked in the center of a four-side, folded, buffer and inner box. The Book itself was wrapped in its clear plastic and sealed protective slip.
Included with The Book was a deep blue postcard decorated with gold dragon image and on the reverse side was written a message from The Book creators also as line drawings. Even a facsimile postage stamp and cancelled delivery stamp were there.
Inside the box was a solid black, large envelope with a full-color, robotic hand illustration running from front to back.
On the flap was a 18+ Censored sticker in red and black. Inside was a separate fold-out illustrated mini-poster. It was apparent that the 18+ Censored label cautioned that the illustrations were of antiquated sex toys! On to The Book itself.
When you receive your copy remove The Book from its protective sleeve and ‘feel’ the thick, deep-blue cover stock of the book and run you hands over its embossed images printed in silver foil on its cover, spin and back cover, accented by four red corner dots.
Run you hand down the heavy spin with its tucked in hinged spines that allow the cover to easily open thus accommodating the thick interior paper stock pages to fan open with no binding. The pages are bound with red twine and glue.
Discover how the creators of The Book recreated the look of age with the interior paper-stock which is uncoated and is a light yellow-like parchment. See how careful attention is given to select the proper paper that will hold up to ink and color saturation. The images and paper are a perfect match. The Book even smells old!
Flip through the pages and think about how each illustration was created starting with sketches, composition, balance and page placement.
Realize and recognize how the artists were able to simulate various textures using simple lines, cross-hatching and feathering.
Ink drawings are colored with water color paint and include numbers that refer to instructions or specific objects. Look over the clever 'how-tos'.
Hearkening back to what I told my drawing students. “People fail to realize that any drawing or painting is a final version of countless sketches, failed attempts, corrections and compositions.”
Likewise the text was labored over. Each word was carefully selected and crafted to describe, educate and illustrate the story of the subjects presented.
The Book is more than a pleasant read-it is the end product of hours/days/months of creative collaboration resulting in a piece of work that deserves, that demands, an honored place on any library shelf. I intend to keep my copy in its shipping book for preservation.
Carefully look at each illustration to spot some critters, odd things and other out of place objects all tinged with an offbeat sense of visual humor.
The style of illustrations remind me of the Victorian, Edwardian and Industrial Eras. Do I detect a hint of Steampunk too?
Subjects are broken down in various categories:
First Things
Medicine
Plants
Animals
Food
Materials
Tools
Building
Mechanics
Optics
Electricity
Sailing
Aviation
Industry
Military
Everyday Life
Word
Art
Music
Human
Games
Delicatessen
Society
Illustrations literally take your breath away with their complexity and creativity.
Carefully read over each section, take in what is being said and shown. Learn, absorb the information and pass that knowledge along.
I congratulate the Hungry Minds creative team for their outstanding accomplishment and I promise that The Book will be placed in a very special section of my library.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
December 27, 2025
What a complete waste of time. It's like the author sat around drinking microbrews and stroking his carefully balmed beard and said, "Hey, you know what'd make me some money? I'll re-write a Boy Scout manual, but make it all steampunky."
This book contains neither enough wit to be funny, nor enough information to be useful. It's obvious that the majority of the effort was put into the packaging and drawings rather than the actual writing.
If you're the type of person who writes restaurant reviews using phrases like, "The vibe was great," or "The bartenders are friendly and make great drinks," you'll probably enjoy this book.
If you're as disappointed in this book as I am, go find a Mary Roach book. She does a great job of doing what this author was struggling (and failing) to even imitate.
This book contains neither enough wit to be funny, nor enough information to be useful. It's obvious that the majority of the effort was put into the packaging and drawings rather than the actual writing.
If you're the type of person who writes restaurant reviews using phrases like, "The vibe was great," or "The bartenders are friendly and make great drinks," you'll probably enjoy this book.
If you're as disappointed in this book as I am, go find a Mary Roach book. She does a great job of doing what this author was struggling (and failing) to even imitate.
March 31, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! The Book is one of the most fascinating and engaging reads I’ve come across in a long time. It’s packed with incredible information about how society functions—from science and agriculture to communication, technology, and more. What really makes it stand out, though, is how it's all presented: the illustrations are amazing, the writing is clever and accessible, and every page feels like a new discovery.
This isn’t just a guide to rebuilding civilization—it’s a celebration of how civilization works in the first place. It manages to be educational without ever feeling like a textbook, and it’s genuinely fun to read.
This isn’t just a guide to rebuilding civilization—it’s a celebration of how civilization works in the first place. It manages to be educational without ever feeling like a textbook, and it’s genuinely fun to read.
November 9, 2025
Jag förbeställde denna någon gång 2021 och fick den vintern 2023. Tyvärr var min dåligt limmad och gick sönder i bindningen nästan direkt, ett vanligt fel hos de första upplagorna.
Men innehållet då? Nja, jag blev lite besviken. Det är absolut ingen guide för att återuppbygga civilisationen, mer en illustrerad men ytlig genomgång av många uppfinningar. Ingen kommer att kunna skapa ett par glasögon, en kamera eller ens hitta ätliga svampar utifrån denna bok.
Illustrationerna är säkert vackra, men lite för abstrakta och underliga för min smak. Knappt en enda kvinna finns med i boken heller, det är män som gör allt.
Jag sålde boken vidare, det är ingen mening att behålla nåt jag inte läser.
Men innehållet då? Nja, jag blev lite besviken. Det är absolut ingen guide för att återuppbygga civilisationen, mer en illustrerad men ytlig genomgång av många uppfinningar. Ingen kommer att kunna skapa ett par glasögon, en kamera eller ens hitta ätliga svampar utifrån denna bok.
Illustrationerna är säkert vackra, men lite för abstrakta och underliga för min smak. Knappt en enda kvinna finns med i boken heller, det är män som gör allt.
Jag sålde boken vidare, det är ingen mening att behålla nåt jag inte läser.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews