SKU: 97505242908

Success Through Failure: The Paradox of Design

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Success Through Failure: The Paradox of DesignDesign pervades our lives. Everything from drafting a PowerPoint presentation to planning a state of the art bridge embodies this universal human activity. But what makes a great design? In this compelling and wide ranging look at the essence of invention, distinguished engineer and author Henry Petroski argues that, time and again, we have built success on the back of failure not through easy imitation of success. Success through Failure shows us

Design pervades our lives. Everything from drafting a PowerPoint presentation to planning a state-of-the-art bridge embodies this universal human activity. But what makes a great design? In this compelling and wide-ranging look at the essence of invention, distinguished engineer and author Henry Petroski argues that, time and again, we have built success on the back of failure--not through easy imitation of success.

Success through Failure shows us that making something better--by carefully anticipating and thus averting failure--is what invention and design are all about. Petroski explores the nature of invention and the character of the inventor through an unprecedented range of both everyday and extraordinary examples--illustrated lectures, child-resistant packaging for drugs, national constitutions, medical devices, the world's tallest skyscrapers, long-span bridges, and more. Stressing throughout that there is no surer road to eventual failure than modeling designs solely on past successes, he sheds new light on spectacular failures, from the destruction of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940 and the space shuttle disasters of recent decades, to the collapse of the World Trade Center in 2001.


Petroski also looks at the prehistoric and ancient roots of many modern designs. The historical record, especially as embodied in failures, reveals patterns of human social behavior that have implications for large structures like bridges and vast organizations like NASA. Success through Failure--which will fascinate anyone intrigued by design, including engineers, architects, and designers themselves--concludes by speculating on when we can expect the next major bridge failure to occur, and the kind of bridge most likely to be involved.

-- "Architectural Science Review"

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 05/29/2018
ISBN: 9780691180991
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.50w x 0.90d
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SKU: 97505242908

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Farinaz Parsay
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
I love The Gift of Hafiz by Daniel Landinsky I am ...
Format: Paperback
I love The Gift of Hafiz by Daniel Landinsky I am Persian and I love the poetry of Hafiz but the book Gift is the first book I read in English language translated by Daniel Ladinsky. As a Persian who is born and raised knowing the poetry of Hafiz by heart and in their original tongue, I really enjoyed reading the book and appreciated the interpretations and translation. Daniel Ladinsky is an American poet known as interpreter of mystical poetry born and raised in Saint Louise. He has said “the poet who I have worked most with is the 14th century Persian poet Hafiz. And Goethe has said, Hafiz has no peer. And I think Goethe knew what he was talking about”. Daniel Ladinsky has written many other books about Hafiz which are unique and many have come to know about this great Persian Master more glorious in the English language. In a rare interview on October 2013 with the Sun Magazine, Daniel Ladinsky shares about his spiritual longing, his encounter with a living saint in India who inspired him to work on Hafiz. In his preface of “The Gift” he invites us to join him in his fantastic applause of life and says “I vote to inscribe these words of Hafiz on every flag, church bell, temple, mosque, and politician’s brain: Dear ones, let’s anoint this earth with dance! I recommend the book "Gift" to everyone who enjoys poetry.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2016
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Miranda
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Do God a favor
Thanks to ladinsky for making the essence of Hafiz accessible to the English reader. For a select some, the purpose of Hafiz's poems is the supernal transportation that takes place in the heart, mind and soul of the seeker. A simple reader of Hafiz may appreciate a more mundane rendition; but a Lover comes to Hafiz to be lost in his drunkenness. ladinsky's interpretations above and outside of translations renders the Realm for the English reader. For hearts seeking higher service to the Friend this indeed is all that matters and yes, our hearts do joy at the criticism of those who yet court the kiss of the King for they are still engaged in the evolution back into essence and oh how the heart does dance at the thought of these. Wayfarer, do God, the "field of holiness" and all creation a favor, purchase this friend's every interpretation of Hafiz and devotionally devour massive morsels until the Final Friend causes YOU to spit out spontaneous sputterings of His own. But don't hurry or worry, for the process may take months or millennia but eventually all will evolve back home to Him. In joy enjoy in-Joy. Dear one read through that last line again, breathe through that last line again. It is far far deeper than most know.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2021
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Singing Mamma
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Works like a dream!
Size: 2 Pack Combo Pack
This is an absolutely amazing alternative to drinking water later in the evening and in the middle of the night! As long as you don’t actually need the hydration, this gets the saliva going with a light minty flavor that allows you to minimize water intake that disrupts sleep. I got my 80yo mom to try it when she had surgery that made it difficult for her to get up by herself (nighttime), and she was so pleased! This also works very well for people who suffer from dry mouth due to medication. The 2 pack is really nice- one for home, one for my purse!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026
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Carol G.
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Vertical good
Size: 2 Pack Pocket Size
Moisturizing
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Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026
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Kat in AZ
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 4
Works as expected.
Size: 2 Pack Pocket Size
Does what it should. Doesn't last as long as I had hoped, though.At least it doesn't taste bad.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2026

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