Power from Steam: A History of the Stationary Steam Engine

By Richard L. Hills and Richard Leslie Hills

Book Overview

Power from Steam is the first comprehensive history of the steam engine in 50 years, following the development of the reciprocating steam engine. Hills covers its history from its earliest form to the beginning of the twentieth century when it was replaced by the steam turbine. Although the first steam engine was used to pump water, its development really started with the mechanisation of the textile industry. This development is studied closely and the theoretical understanding of its operation is covered. The background of thermodynamics is introduced to show how science and design coupled to produce increasingly more efficient and powerful engines. This book will be indispensable to steam power enthusiasts as well as historians of technology.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 052145834X
• ISBN13: 9780521458344
• Release Date: August 1993
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 356 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

The Power of Steam (Richard Hills)

One of the few relatively recent works in the field of stationary steam engines. In addition to his work at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry which has resulted in this becoming a 'World Class' Museum Richard Hills has found time to contribute a major written work, the meticulous way in which he has researched this book is impressive, while detailed enough to be of interest to the 'expert' (and including an extremely substantial and authoritative bibliography) he has presented what might be considered a fairly 'dry' subject in such a way that the non enthusiast can both learn and enjoy. Photographs and drawing of now lost examples make this a valuable volume for anyone interested in the development of steam power from it's early beginnings as an interesting phenomena for the inquiring mind, through to its essential part of todays world, providing power everywhere. One of very few modern books on the subject (which tend to be re-hashes of recognisable older works) it is very difficult to fault and a must for anyone with an interest in steam or industrial history