Hachette India

Ideas That Changed The World

Cath Senker

For thousands of years, humans and their innovations have shaped our history. But some inventions and discoveries are so profound, they not only change the course of history, they also manage to leave a legacy so powerful, it can be called world-changing. This book looks at 10 of these ideas - from the invention of the wheel which brought about a radical change in travel, craftsmanship and manufacture, to anaesthetics, which ushered in a new era of medical care.

Each of the 10 world-changing ideas is examined in detail - what were the circumstances; who was involved and why; what kind of a legacy has it left; and how is it still relevant to us today? The ideas range from inventions such as the printing press and the personal computer, to scientific breakthroughs such as anaesthetics and engineering feats including the steam engine.

Spanning a significant portion of human history, the ancient civilisations in 3500 BCE, to 15th-century Europe, the Industrial Revolution and the digital era, this book not only examines the ideas themselves, but also places them in the context of other historical events and developments.

Perfect for course work and cross-curricular activities spanning history, politics and science; the book includes 10 further momentous ideas, as well as a timeline that places them in the context of world history.

Cath Senker

Cath Senker is a children's non-fiction writer who specialises in writing about modern history, global issues and world religions. Her latest history titles include Living Through the Vietnam War (Raintree, 2011), Our World Divided: Israel and the Middle East (Wayland, 2011) and A Cultural History of Women in America: Women Claim the Vote (Bailey Publishing, 2011). She has a particular interest in the topics of migration, refugees and racism and recently wrote Mapping Global Issues: Immigrants and Refugees (Arcturus, 2011). In her work, Cath aims to highlight individuals' experiences and to present different viewpoints in a non-judgemental way as a basis for discussion. Cath also works as a project manager and editor on non-fiction titles for both children and adults. Before embarking on a freelance career, she worked as a commissioning editor for a children's educational publishing company for eight years. She is also an experienced ESOL teacher. Cath volunteers with City Reads, a project that aims to widen the enjoyment of books and reading among people of all ages, especially people from disadvantaged communities. She is a also a keen amateur cyclist, cook and gardener.

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