Kaufman presents a basic introduction to the mechanics and the concepts behind a variety of appliances, machines, and vehicles. The book is especially designed for young readers and has plenty of excellent illustrations which are both informative and humorous. Written in the beginning of 1970's, the book seems now, after many decades, also historical. Still surprisingly many of the concepts are up to date. For example, the basic concepts of vehicles have not changed that much. On the other hand, especially the telephone has experienced almost a complete technical revolution. Instead of a clever analog device transmitting sound signals, the telephone is now a digital and computerized information processing center which is used more for other purposes than just making telephone calls. It is also interesting to note how Kaufman sees the future. He expects we could have multi-purpose traveling machines capable of using roads and seas and even making week-end trips to the moon. Cities could be enclosed by huge transparent domes, and sidewalks could be moving like escalators. Homes will be automated, and for example, to prepare food could involve just pressing a button and the food would be transmitted to us in seconds. Well, perhaps we have to wait another fifty years to see these developments to occur!
