Transporting aircraft by submarine and airship were both pioneered in the early 20th century, but turned out to be highly impractical, while a few decades later experiments with rockets and atomic power were popular. This selection of technological curiosities shows how inventions that seem clearly implausible now were once considered viable, and reveals what can be learned from their failure.
White Elephant Technology is any unusual invention past or present that fails in the marketplace despite its innovative nature. From jeeps that fly to tanks that shouldn't; from a wave-powered boat that took over three months to reach its destination to a jet-powered train that shook itself apart, White Elephant Technology showcases each inventor's talent for creating something nobody asked for. Importantly, none of these inventions are speculative. Each one was built, field tested and worked more or less as planned (except when it killed its creator).
Although success is highly prized, failure has a lot to teach us, especially when you realise it's the rule and not the exception. Still, no one has undertaken a survey of failed inventions despite history being littered with them ... until now. White Elephant Technology corrects this oversight in an entertaining, respectful and occasionally humorous manner, proving that failure is not only as fascinating as success but is also the purest expression of the human condition.
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https://www.psbooks.co.uk/white-elephant-technology545956White Elephant Technologyhttps://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/545956_media-0.jpg9.999.99GBPInStock/Almost Gone/Almost Gone Non-Fiction/Almost Gone/Almost Gone Stationery & Gifts/Non-Fiction/Categories/Design & IllustrationTransporting aircraft by submarine and airship were both pioneered in the early 20th century, but turned out to be highly impractical, while a few decades later experiments with rockets and atomic power were popular. This selection of technological curiosities shows how inventions that seem clearly implausible now were once considered viable, and reveals what can be learned from their failure.Hardback00https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/545956_media-1.jpghttps://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/545956_media-2.jpgadd-to-cartrrp_info:£22.99productId:183232bic_code:TBX, TBY, WH, WZGTBX, TBY, WH, WZG£22.99Ed. Eric Miles, John J GeogheganGeneral240x163mmHistory PressYesHardback