"Discover how scientific ideas and different materials are used to build incredible machines and impressive structures. This face-packed, fully illustrated books explores the history of engineering from the building of the pyramids to the creation of today's towering skyscrapers, powerful machines, and valley-spanning bridges. See how robots, race cars, and rockets progress from planning sketches to working prototypes. Find out about different branches of engineering--chemical, mechanical, electrical, and civil--and how each helps us to live, work, travel, and improve our environment"--Jacket flap.