[niteowl77]

I choose dead trees... the only exceptions being texts so old and/or obscure that I have to settle for the electron substitute.

Right now, in the likely order I will read them:

Cathedral, Forge and Waterwheel, by Frances and Joseph Gies
Thomas Telford, by LTC Rolt

Although somewhat mathematically dyslexic, I have always liked things mechanical; pre-20th Century engineering and manufacturing techniques fascinate me. I checked out a copy of Rolt's A Short History of Machine Tools (which was removed from my public library; they needed more room for the free Wi-Fi loafer's lounge and the ever-expanding Black Empowerment section) and was hooked; I have since purchased a number of his books, which I enjoy immensely. He and Dorothy Hartley (author of Made in England, etc) are two people whose writing styles fit me like a pair of comfortable shoes.

Mr. niteowl77

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Be sure to get yourself a set of "Ingenious Mechanisms for Designers and Inventors." My Grandfather, an outstanding engineer and machinist, had a set in his basement workshop in the late 50s and early 60s (the books were only 30 years old at that time). I used to spend hours going through those books. They are a real treat.