This book presents illustrated profiles of 76 individuals and 2 notable vehicles (the winner of the first around-the-world car race in 1908 and the first steam locomotive in the United States). It includes such recognized innovators as Alexander Graham Bell (inventor of the telephone), George Washington Carver (agricultural products innovator), the Wright brothers (pioneers of flight), and Thomas Edison (holder of a record 1,093 patents, including ones for the phonograph, the first practical electric light bulb, and motion picture equipment). The book also features others who, in spite of their significant and interesting contributions, are not well known today. They include the following inventors: John Hyatt (plastic), Nikola Tesla (alternating current electricity), Joseph Brown (universal milling machine), Lee DeForest (radio), Clessie Cummins (automotive diesel engine), Ole Evinrude (outboard motor), Igor Sikorsky (helicopter), and Vladimir Zworykin (television). Chronological arrangement of the profiles reveals the evolution of technology, as the ideas and innovations of one inventor take off from and build upon the work of others who came before. A special section at the end provides additional information on four fields that are particularly important in the late 20th century: computers, robotics, manned space flight, and television. For those who have interests in particular areas of technology, subject headings are provided on the first page of each profile. An index is provided. (YLB)