HOW IT'S MADE

From sundae cups to gemstones, descriptions of the making of 54 items.

This collection begins with an explanation of some common manufacturing processes: molding, milling, soldering, assembly, and two types of welding. What follows is a selection of summarized episodes of a long-running Science Channel series, grouped by category: food, sports, science and technology, music, art, vehicles, and a catchall chapter entitled “just for fun.” Each section contains descriptions of the creation of objects as disparate as foosball tables, solar panels, electric guitars, and high-end motorcycles, in one or two double-page spreads. The text basically comes from the scripts of the relevant episodes, which are clearly aimed at a general audience. The photographs, stills from the episodes, can’t supply as much information as the series does. Since even the text is summary, it may leave readers confused at times. Steps are skipped in the crayon-making and saxophone construction processes, for example. And for the entry on sundae cups, an image described as “the chocolate mixture being blended before it is poured into the tote” is actually the crumbled chocolate that tops the sundaes. On the other hand, the text includes clear definitions of specific words pertinent to each process, some ancillary information, and occasional do-it-yourself activities. The lively design is inviting, and the choice of subjects includes something for everyone. The photos are accompanied by cartoon illustrations; humans depicted are diverse.

An intriguing, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of common objects.