Breverton's Encyclopedia of inventions

An extraordinary guide to the greatest feats of ingenuity and innovation.• Who flew before the Wright brothers?• How was plastic surgery invented?• Did Leonardo da Vinci design the first robot?• When was the first e-mail sent?• Where was beer first brewed?• Who invented zero?From the fish hook to fibre optics, the pyramids to the postage stamp, and from gunpowder to GPS, this eclectic compendium will inform, inspire and fascinate anyone curious to know more about the moments of genius that have shaped our lives today.