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4-6
Illustrated by
Anthony Owsley.
This amusing book surveys hundreds of dubious inventions, from a car whistle to signal low fuel to a wearable plastic tent to keep a dog dry during rainfall. It's loosely organized by function, with illustrations ranging from black-and-white patent diagrams to whimsical, colorful cartoons. Some well-known inventors' failures are included (e.g., Edison's concrete house). Bib., ind.