Fantastic Feats and Failures

Alison Mews is co-ordinator of the Centre for Instructional Services at
Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Spectacular feats of engineering and those that have failed dramatically
are celebrated in this highly visual book. Successful structures like
the CN and Eiffel Towers are labelled “feat”; flawed designs that
had tragic consequences like the Challenger shuttle are labelled
“failure”; and some, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the World
Trade Center, have both labels. In all cases, what makes the structure
noteworthy is explained briefly and succinctly, with full-colour
photographs and illustrated diagrams, as appropriate. Simple projects
are sometimes suggested to reinforce the scientific principles, and
these can be done with easily obtained materials such as gumdrops,
marshmallow, and toothpicks. The causes for the catastrophes are
detailed and steps taken to ensure similar events do not recur are
described. For instance, the remarkable design for skyscrapers that
enabled the Twin Towers to be built so high is shown; theories as to why
they collapsed as they did are given; and lessons learned to improve
designs for future skyscrapers are outlined.

Using a breezy, entertaining writing style, the authors inject humour
by declaring how “handy” the Canadarm is in space, how the blurry
Hubble Telescope was fitted with “glasses,” and how the Apollo 13
mission was saved by duct tape. The fascinating photographs, sensational
topics, and magazine layout will also appeal to reluctant readers.
Recommended.