How did cavemen see to draw on the walls? What constituted a practical joke in ancient Greece? What’s the most efficient way to wring juice from a grape? What does a nun have to do with fishing tackle?

These questions and many more are answered in this book, the first in a three-volume set that looks at the people, history, and inventions that have shaped human culture throughout the millennia.

Drawn from the author’s collected columns in Make: magazine, the ReMaking History series begins in Volume 1 by taking a closer look at DIY science efforts beginning at the dawn of civilization and stretching forward to the 18th century.

Perfect for readers ages 11 and up, this book not only lets you learn about history and science through stories, but actually has you touch the past by recreating some of its greatest inventions.

Projects Included

• The Magdeburg Hemispheres: Vacuum suction that holds two spheres together so tightly that horses can't pull them apart!
• The Cave Dwellers of Lascaux and the Oil Lamp: How did early humanoids draw on cave walls? Using the newly invented oil lamp.
• Pythagoras and the Tantalus Cup: Also known as the "greedy cup," this is a science lesson and practical joke in one package!
• Heron and the Gin Pole: Recreate the world's first crane and begin building cities.
• Egyptian Bag Press: Press more oil and juice from olives and grapes than ever before possible.
• England’s Oliver:  A spring-powered trip hammer that revolutionized medieval Europe.
• Levi ben Gershon and the Jacob’s Staff: The best way to understand latitude when on a 14th century sailing vessel is still perfect for sailing today!
• Juliana Berners and the Fishing Lure: Meet the English nun who invented modern fishing tackle and use her work as an inspiration to make your own.
• Archimedes and the Water Screw: Raise and lower water levels like an ancient Greek engineer.
• China’s Differential Windlass: Learn to lift huge loads with little effort! 

Meet the Author

William Gurstelle is an American nonfiction author, magazine writer, and inventor. He is a feature columnist for Make: magazine and the Pyrotechnics and Ballistics Editor at Popular Mechanics magazine.