(4) YA Transforming Power of Technology series. These overviews capably describe the development and long-reaching influence of three technological advances. Illustrated with reproductions and color photos, the blandly written books explain how the invention of the printing press affected religion and government, while the production of repeating rifles and gunpowder affected crime, empire building, and warfare. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Transforming Power of Technology titles: The Printing Press, The Repeating Rifle, and Gunpowder.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Transforming Power of Technology series. These overviews capably describe the development and long-reaching influence of three technological advances. Illustrated with reproductions and color photos, the blandly written books explain how the invention of the printing press affected religion and government, while the production of repeating rifles and gunpowder affected crime, empire building, and warfare. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Transforming Power of Technology titles: The Printing Press, The Repeating Rifle, and Gunpowder.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA Transforming Power of Technology series. This straightforward text discusses how concurrent experiments by European inventors perfected the science and mechanics of this power source. Kras then focuses on nineteenth-century steam-powered applications (e.g., ships, farm and factory equipment, trains) and on how steam engines are used today. Black-and-white and color photos and reproductions accompany the narrative. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) YA Transforming Power of Technology series. Beginning with a brief history of the microcomputer, this is a clear, matter-of-fact profile of the impact of personal computers on American life and business. Included are chapters on "computer literacy," physical and mental health problems resulting from PC use, risks (hackers, pirates, and viruses), and the future look of the PC. A few sidebars, generic captioned photos, and charts accompany the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) YA Transforming Power of Technology series. This overview traces the development of the Internet from its roots in the late 1950s to its current global presence. The bland but informative text emphasizes the Internet's impact on commerce, education, personal lifestyle, and the health of computer users, whose maladies may range from carpal tunnel syndrome to Internet addiction. Serviceable color photos appear throughout. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Transforming Power of Technology series. These overviews capably describe the development and long-reaching influence of three technological advances. Illustrated with reproductions and color photos, the blandly written books explain how the invention of the printing press affected religion and government, while the production of repeating rifles and gunpowder affected crime, empire building, and warfare. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Transforming Power of Technology titles: The Printing Press, The Repeating Rifle, and Gunpowder.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta