Incredible Cross-sections

Ever since I bought this book, it's turned into a ruined book because it's been so well loved and well used. Do you remember reading this book on a Sunday afternoon when you couldn't play with your friends and you had to stay home and do quiet time? That's the tradition that I'm passing down to my kids. I wish it was a little cheaper, though. Especially with how fast it got ripped. Maybe I introduced it to my kids too early, but I think that it's a great book and that every kid should have one.

Who of us can't remember the excitement of looking at some wonderful building or structure and wondering *what was going on in there*? Stephen Biesty deserves an entry in Who's Who for thinking of this wonderful format for readers who wonder. This is a wonderful and exciting book for older kids and adults who are curious about how things work behind-the-scenes. While it can be tricky for younger children to envision how the objects go back together, there will ample material for others to enjoy. Eighteen human-made objects are cross-sectioned: a castle, an observatory, a galleon, ocean liner and submarine, a coal mine, military tank, oil rig, cathedral, jumbo jet and car factory, a helicopter, an opera house, a steam train and a subway station, a fishing trawler, the Empire State Building and the space shuttle. The sections are filled with defining activity, and Richard Platt's accompanying text is informative and amusing. First published in 1992, this book is also a fascinating testament to the breathtaking pace of change we experience. Many of the objects have changed a great deal in the past decade, so this is more a snapshot of one era's mechanisms than a blueprint of state-of-the-art technology. For that reason the book succeeds spectacularly with historic objects such as the castle and galleon, and only slightly less so with outdated items like the tank and helicopter. If you are interested in how things work, these unique views of engineering marvels in operation will thrill you.

This book arrived a few weeks before I have to give it as a gift. I am really glad because it gave me a chance to read through the book first. I liked the attention to details each item shows. I almost decided to keep the book for myself and buy another copy it is so interesting. I will definitely buy another copy for my other set of grandsons. If you have a child or grandchild who likes to see the inner workings of planes, trains, tanks, etc this is the book for them.

A great book that is timeless and has lots of detailed pictures that fold out to look at. Want to know what the inside of a castle looks like? Check it out!

Very cool book. If you’ve ever looked at something and wondered: What’s inside there? — What makes this thing tick? Then “Incredible Cross-Sections” is for you. For the most part you get two-page layouts with fascinating detail. But wait, there’s more: The “Ocean Liner” and “Steam Train” cross-sections are four-page layouts (they fold-out). Meticulous work went into this book. I can see why it’s been around for 30 years.

My 10 yro loves studying this. Nicely done!

My book may have been a fluke but it had pages stuck together in the middle and when trying to unstick them they came out all together. Awesome book concept, I would really like the book if it hadn't come damaged. I'm getting a refund so the issue is being resolved.

Great book for all ages. Lots of little details to look through that can be fun and educational. Kid loves it.

Entretenido y muy interesante. Puedes ver el interior de muchas cosas.

Great book for kids interested in how things work / engineering type stuff. My 9 year old son loves it.

Świetna książka, chociaż już przestarzała i fajnie by było jakby zrobiono nowe wydanie.

Great to stretch kids' imaginations.

Amazing book with detailed drawings, for kids and adults.