Stephen Biesty's Incredible Cross-Sections (DK Stephen Biesty Cross-Sections)

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the book succeeds spectacularly with historic objects such as the castle and galleon, and only slightly less so with outdated items like the tank and helicopter.If you are interested in how things work, these unique views of engineering marvels in operation will thrill you.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 is book is fun to look inside various structures, very detailed illustrations. One strange feature my 4yo found is that someone is using the toilet on each page, which I find a bit odd but the 4yo finds it hilarious.

My 8yr old son was instantly taken with this book. He loves learning how things work and stopped opening presents to look through the book. Later, it worked perfectly as a "quiet time" activity for him. He just laid in his bed and looked at the book.

I bought this for my 13-year old nephew who loves architecture and design. It’s a very interesting book in both text and illustration. The cross-sections of the boats are amazing!

This book is such a wonderful look into various objects and buildings. I loved it and my five year old did too. It is the sort of book that he will continue to look through and study and grow with as he’s on the young end for it now.

What can I say? This book is a classic of my childhood. It's such a pleasure to look at the details in each illustration and imagine myself walking in each nook and cranny of the cross-sections with my mind's eye. A wonderful book for those with great imagination and a desire to learn and for the naturally visual learner (such as myself). I've enjoyed this book as a child and now as a 25 year-old adult. The book itself was in okay condition, little dirty, a small rip on one page--but it was used and the seller did inform me of it's condition. In conclusion, this book is a must!

This is a beautiful book exactly as I remember it from my childhood. I just purchased it for my young child and I can't wait to give it to him! It's sad that the series is out of print, but I didn't mind paying extra for a high quality used copy because I already know I love this book.

I found a copy of this book in a hospital x-ray waiting area. I could have spent hours poring over it. The cross-sections include a castle, a space shuttle, an observatory, a subway, a cathedral, and more. We see so little of what is around us and this book offers a hugely expanded view. It's like being used to seeing the tip of the iceberg and suddenly seeing the whole iceberg. Like the previous reviewer, I wondered also why only males were shown using the toilet facilities. However, this is a small complaint and the authors could easily correct it in any future editions. I hope they do.I didn't have enough time to see all I wanted to see of this book, but I was impressed enough to google the illustrator's name. I'm disappointed that Amazon only offers it used, but I do intend to buy a copy. It is represented as a children's book, but I believe most adults would enjoy it also.

Loved everything about this book. Full of minute information which will appeal to children and adults. Bought for my 7 year old who is a prolific free reader, and he struggled a bit with a lot of smaller text. However the content appealed when we looked at it together. He particularly liked the pull out pages with cross sections on.

I had a copy of this book when I was a child -- and I never forgot how much I enjoyed looking at the illustrations. Hand drawn illustrations like those found in Stephen Biesty's books are a real treasure.

Had an older version of this book a child so I bought it for my children.The illustrations are so detailed.What I was surprised about is how much their friends like it when they come around.It’s been a real hit in our household.

A beautifully illustrated book with fascinating captions. My nephew will love it!

Very good thanks