SKU: 86242794976

The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World

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The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern WorldThe revered New York Times bestselling author traces the development of technology from the Industrial Age to the Digital Age to explore the single component crucial to advancement precision in a superb history that is both an homage and a warning for our future. The rise of manufacturing could not have happened without an attention to precision. At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in eighteenth century England, standards of measurement were

The revered New York Times bestselling author traces the development of technology from the Industrial Age to the Digital Age to explore the single component crucial to advancement--precision--in a superb history that is both an homage and a warning for our future.

The rise of manufacturing could not have happened without an attention to precision. At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in eighteenth-century England, standards of measurement were established, giving way to the development of machine tools--machines that make machines. Eventually, the application of precision tools and methods resulted in the creation and mass production of items from guns and glass to mirrors, lenses, and cameras--and eventually gave way to further breakthroughs, including gene splicing, microchips, and the Hadron Collider.

Simon Winchester takes us back to origins of the Industrial Age, to England where he introduces the scientific minds that helped usher in modern production: John Wilkinson, Henry Maudslay, Joseph Bramah, Jesse Ramsden, and Joseph Whitworth. It was Thomas Jefferson who later exported their discoveries to the fledgling United States, setting the nation on its course to become a manufacturing titan. Winchester moves forward through time, to today's cutting-edge developments occurring around the world, from America to Western Europe to Asia.

As he introduces the minds and methods that have changed the modern world, Winchester explores fundamental questions. Why is precision important? What are the different tools we use to measure it? Who has invented and perfected it? Has the pursuit of the ultra-precise in so many facets of human life blinded us to other things of equal value, such as an appreciation for the age-old traditions of craftsmanship, art, and high culture? Are we missing something that reflects the world as it is, rather than the world as we think we would wish it to be? And can the precise and the natural co-exist in society?



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Published: 05/07/2019
ISBN: 9780062652560
Pages: 416
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.30w x 1.00d
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SKU: 86242794976

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Kimberly
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Snagged a deal
Size: 7, Color: Redwood/Gum 10
I waited and waited to get these boots! I knew I was chancing it, but they went on sale, and I snagged them! I am a size 7, and they fit nicely with socks. a little loose, barefooted, but what psycho wears boots without socks? They are comfortable and really well-made.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2026
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ashlynnk
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 4
Cute, comfortable waterproof boots (a little snug to put on)
Size: 7, Color: Velvet Tan/Gum 2
These are really cute Chelsea-style boots and feel very comfortable once they’re on. The waterproof material is great for wet weather and the sole feels sturdy with good traction. They look stylish enough to wear casually but still feel practical for rainy days. The only downside is they can be a little difficult to put on at first because the opening is somewhat snug, but once they’re on they fit well and feel supportive. Overall they’re a great waterproof boot and I’ve enjoyed wearing them.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2026
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Abby B
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Surprisingly great for my wide feet and high instep!
Size: 10.5, Color: Velvet Tan/Gum 2
So thrilled I took a chance on these. Finding boots is impossible for me. I have wide feet, a super high instep, a bunion on one foot, and I wear a hard to find size (10.5). I ordered the 10.5 and 11 in these expecting I might need to size up for width (if I could even get them on). It was a struggle getting the 10.5s on the first time, and once I did they were somewhat uncomfortable on the top of my left foot. But I read that they would relax so decided to give it a go because I need waterproof boots for an upcoming trip and the 11s felt too long. After two days of light wear, they are already breaking in and I have no more discomfort. Getting them on is already easier and they are plenty wide enough and very comfortable to walk in. These are true to size. Super happy and worth a day of mild discomfort to break them in!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2026
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EE
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable, sturdy, waterproof
Size: 9.5, Color: Black/Black
Loce, love, love these boots. Have walked ten miles with no foot pain around NYC. They go with everything and and are so comfortable. As they are waterproof/resistant, they get a little warm in high temps, but perfect three-season boots.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2026
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Kate
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Super cute, comfortable, practical, love that they are slip on
Size: 10.5, Color: Tobacco/Black
I have worn these 2-3 times already. The first day was a school/work day so I was on my feet 9 hours and the only issue I had was with the side of the boot rubbing against my ankle. I just make sure I wear socks high enough to cover my ankles or jeans that go into the boots now for long wear days. Absolutely love them! They keep my feet dry in this snow( we live in Michigan). I had been looking for a pair like this for awhile now and was getting super frustrated that I couldn't find my size in any that I liked. I saw that they had these available in a 10.5 and I wear 11. I looked at the Sorel website reviews (since the amazon ones weren't super helpful on sizing) and they said that the boots ran big so I took a chance on the 10.5 fitting me. They fit perfect. I have long narrow feet but I could see where they would be tight or uncomfortable on someone with wider feet. I've been trying to find a pair for my mom now since she has boot envy.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2026

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