Alan Rothschild - Inventing a Better Mousetrap: 200 Years of American History in the Amazing World of Patent Models

Alan and Ann have preserved the physical history of the first two centuries of Yankee ingenuity, and for this, as a nation, may we be truly grateful. Now, they have brought all of these wonderful models to us in their book, so how bout it, Americanslets put down those electronic tablets and start THINKING again.

Ingenuity, invention, finding a better waythese qualities so shaped our nations experience that they now feel like the very definition of being American. The patent models tell the story of a people inspired by opportunity and endlessly creative in solving challenges. As shown in this amazing book, these small objects have as much to teach us today as at any earlier time in our history.

Many of these intricate and amazing models have been on display at Disneyland Paris since it opened in 1992. They are very popular with our guests and have become an integral part of the turn of the century ambiance of Main Street U.S.A.

Innovation has been Americas differentiating advantage from the very birth of our country, and Inventing a Better Mousetrap captures the uptake in inventing, its tremendous breadth, and its unique way of putting both intellect and drive on display for our country. With splendid pictures and succinct textual descriptions, Alan and Ann Rothschild have created a new chronicle of American innovation and innovators.

Manufacturing transformed the United States into a global power, and the ideas of innovative Americans made that possible. With this book, our generation can look back, in vivid detail, at how those transformative ideas came to be. And, as a result, the thinkers of the past will inspire the innovators of the future.

Innovation fans will have endless fun browsing Better Mousetrap, with its delightful photos and descriptions covering everything from Henrietta Vansittarts historic steamship propeller to the original Whitmans Sampler candy-making machine. This book catalogs the authors vast collection of small-scale, working models created for the U.S. Patent Office and displays their deep historical knowledge. Highly recommended!

Inventing a Better Mousetrap provides a marvelous glimpse into the ingenuity of 19th century inventors. It should also serve as a wonderful inspiration for inventors of future generations. Thank you, Alan and Ann Rothschild for preserving this bit of history and sharing it with us all.

In this marvelous book the Rothschilds collection dazzles the eye while telling an irresistible story of American ingenuity and of some of the nations most remarkable and colorful innovators.