---
product_id: 62020828
title: "The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to be as They are."
brand: "henry petroski"
price: "€ 44.20"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 3
url: https://www.desertcart.pt/products/62020828-the-evolution-of-useful-things-how-everyday-artifacts-from-forks
store_origin: PT
region: Portugal
---

# The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to be as They are.

**Brand:** henry petroski
**Price:** € 44.20
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to be as They are. by henry petroski
- **How much does it cost?** € 44.20 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.pt](https://www.desertcart.pt/products/62020828-the-evolution-of-useful-things-how-everyday-artifacts-from-forks)

## Best For

- henry petroski enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted henry petroski brand quality
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## Description

The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to be as They are.

## Images

![The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to be as They are. - Image 1](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/514zBrzVTOL.jpg)
![The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to be as They are. - Image 2](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51GcqybBieL.jpg)
![The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to be as They are. - Image 3](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31E4JtNv22L.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Just a bit dull
  

*by F***R on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 December 2011*

The idea is good the execution is dull.  I did manage to read this to the end (just) but it did literally send me to sleep several times.  There is a lot of detail of the evolution of a few everyday objects and there are a few interesting points (which is why I persevered). The main theme of the book is that, people will find fault in an object and innovate to make it better.... Well, the fault with this book is the writing style, it's dull and unnecessarily wordy.  The fix, read something else; unless you love Paperclips, Staples, Hammers, Pins, Zips, Cutlery or Wooden bed frames.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Five Stars
  

*by C***A on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 April 2015*

I loved it. It's delightfully interesting and thought provoking.

### ⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Detailed evolutionary history of several everyday objects
  

*by P***9 on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 November 2000*

Emphasis is on historical development of objects which is very detailed. I suggest that Donald Norman's "The design of everyday things" is a better read and gives more ideas for the designer today.

## Frequently Bought Together

- The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to be as They are
- To Engineer Is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design
- The Pencil: A History of Design and Circumstance

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*Product available on Desertcart Portugal*
*Store origin: PT*
*Last updated: 2026-03-18*