Nuts and Bolts of the Past: A History of American Technology, 1776-1860

History is more than dates, politicians and battles. History is the story of how people dealt with everyday challenges and struggles. This book shows how our ancestors overcame problems with commonsense solutions. Building upon earlier inventions or thoughts, our grandfathers and grandmothers built a system of industry that eased our everyday burdens and lead to more and grander living. I've had the pleasure of re-reading this book several time, and intend to do so again.