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Cover of Patents of Curiosity by Karl Sommer
Book language: English Curiosity & knowledge New release

Patents of Curiosity: Strange, Beautiful, and Brilliant Inventions from the Archive

Forty historical patents, original drawings, and the stories behind remarkable ideas

by Karl Sommer

Hardcover on amazon.com Paperback on amazon.com

Price and availability are shown on Amazon.

An ironing board, a glove, a phonograph: three familiar objects, three invitations to look closer. Patents of Curiosity explores forty historical U.S. patents across 100 illustrated pages. Preview actual pages below to see whether its mix of drawing, mechanism, and invention history suits you or the engineer, designer, or curious reader on your gift list. Choose hardcover or paperback; both editions are in English.

Look inside the book ↓
  • Forty carefully selected patents spanning more than a century.
  • At least one complete original drawing sheet for every invention.
  • Clear context with inventor names, patent numbers, grant dates, and sources.
Download a free sample

PDF · 2 pages · English · 8.5 MB

Inside the book

Sample pages

Patents of Curiosity: Patent drawing, page 12 – original interior page
Ironing board: a construction view, a cross-section, and the supporting frame turn a familiar object into a design question.
Patents of Curiosity: Patent drawing, page 38 – original interior page
Glove: seven views draw attention to seams, shape, and construction. Invention history is not only about large machines.
Patents of Curiosity: Patent drawing, page 90 – original interior page
Phonograph: a crank, cylinder, and horn invite a closer look at the mechanism. One of the actual illustrated pages in the book.
Who is it for?

Curious adults, engineers, designers, and readers interested in invention history

A 100-page engineering coffee-table book exploring 40 strange, beautiful, and brilliant historical U.S. patents.

A gift for engineers & designers

For the person who wants to know how everyday objects work: forty historical U.S. patents with original drawings. A visual book for a graduation, birthday or curious reader’s desk.

Before you choose

100 pages in English, in hardcover or paperback. A collection to browse, not a patent-filing manual or an engineering textbook.

Book details

At a glance

The print specifications below refer to: Hardcover.

Language
English
Category
Curiosity & knowledge
Format
Hardcover
Pages
100
Published
August 31, 2026
Dimensions
8.48 x 0.42 x 11.24 inches
ASIN
B0HHBSFKT4
ISBN-13
979-8171045173

Paperback: ASIN B0HHCC2KMM · ISBN-13 979-8171067724 · 100pages

FAQ

Common questions about the book

Is there a paperback as well as a hardcover?

Yes. Both English-language formats contain 100 pages. Each has its own verified Amazon.com and Amazon.de link. Check Amazon for current prices and delivery options.

Do I need an engineering background?

No. The explanations focus on the idea, mechanism, and context without assuming specialist training.

Are the patent drawings original?

Yes. The book reproduces published historical U.S. patent drawings and identifies their source documents.

What period does the book cover?

The forty patents were granted between 1846 and 1961, providing a broad view of changing technical ambitions.

Does it work as a gift?

Its hardcover format, visual material, and broad subject range make it a thoughtful gift for engineers, designers, and curious adults.

View the edition

Patents of Curiosity: Strange, Beautiful, and Brilliant Inventions from the Archive

Hardcover on amazon.com Paperback on amazon.com

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