Surprise and intrigue are rife in this fascinating history of modern inventions. Although we are only ten years into the 21st century, the number of new patents filed bears witness to the ongoing ingenuity of inventors around the world. Already, such inventions as the iPod and the Nintendo Wii have become a commercial phenomenon and it would be hard to imagine life without them. This new book describes 50 of the most interesting inventions of the century so far, from around the world. Using the original patent illustrations Stephen van Dulken paints an illuminating picture of the modern world.