Martin W. Sandler's presents the evolution of inventions as they have never been seen before—and celebrates the spirit of the great American inventors who let loose their imaginations and changed the world forever. Americans have been characterized by their inventive spirit since the days of Benjamin Franklin, but the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries proved especially fruitful in groundbreaking discoveries that revolutionized life as we know it. This book includes an author's note, index, and over one hundred vintage photographs, posters, and paintings from the Library of Congress archives. 1997 Notable Children's Trade Book in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC). Supports the Common Core State Standards.