The Steam Engine

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6 Written clearly and concisely, this history of the steam engine is instructive and thought provoking. Each chapter is devoted to a particular time period that details the inventions and their subsequent modifications, from Hero's Aeolipile (reaction turbine) in 200 b.c. to Richard Trevithick's high-pressure steam engine, built in the 19th Century and still utilized by industry. Siegel relates little known facts in an interesting fashion, and the reproductions of prints and period photographs add appeal. Charlene J. Lenzen, Hales Corners Lutheran School, Wis.