Genius Inventions gives readers an unprecedented insight into the events, people and histories behind technological and scientific developments that have helped shape modern civilization.

Discover the inspiration for some of the most important moments in the history of technology. An invention is rarely the brainchild of a single person, however brilliant, and the book includes timelines that explain the development of each creation and pays homage to some of the other great developments that came before and after. Beautifully illustrated throughout, showing 20 items of rare, on-the-page documents and memorabilia. See plans of the Wright Brothers' plane and extracts from the notebook of Alexander Graham Bell.

Jack Challoner has been an independent science writer since 1991. He has written over 30 books for all ages, on a variety of scientific and technological subjects. He has also written for encyclopaedias, magazines, museum exhibitions and websites and acts as scientific consultant for books, CD-ROMS, plays and television programmes.