Description
By (author) Minshall Tim
Short /annotation:
From an award-winning and internationally-renowned expert, a wonderfully illuminating journey through the world of manufacturing and its transformational influence on our lives – and the world around us.
:
**A WATERSTONES, FT and TELEGRAPH BOOK OF THE YEAR**
**SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 ROYAL SOCIETY SCIENCE BOOK PRIZE**
**LONGLISTED FOR THE 2025 FINANCIAL TIMES & SCHRODER BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR**
From mega-factory floors, engineering laboratories and seaports to distribution hubs, supermarkets and our own homes, embark on an eye-opening guided tour through the world of manufacturing and its transformational influence on our lives – and the planet.
FEATURING A NEW AFTERWORD
”Revelatory.”
S
UNDAY TIMES
”Fascinating.”
TELEGRAPH
”Illuminating.”
i
”Intensely readable.”
IRISH TIMES
”Well-observed and enjoyably written.”
FINANCIAL TIMES
Unless you are floating naked through space, you are right now in direct contact with multiple manufactured products, be it furniture, technology, clothing, and or even food. The processes by which these things appear in our lives are virtually invisible. How often do we stop to think: Where do the things we buy actually come from?
Charting the byzantine journeys taken by everyday items to reach us, Your Life is Manufactured reveals the seismic impact manufacturing has had on our lives and the natural world – and explores how it could offer us a path to a truly sustainable, more equitable future. In doing so, Minshall grants us the ability to make better choices for ourselves, our communities and the planet.
”An extraordinarily good read.”
DAVID SPIEGELHALTER
Review quote:
”This brilliant book shows that manufacturing is foundational to our lives, not only now but also if there is to be any hope for a sustainable future. I learned something new on every page.” –
Professor Diane Coyle
”Reading this book is like being given a personal tour of the world”s factories by a real-life Willy Wonka. Brimming with insight, curiosity and wit, Tim is a masterful storyteller of the manufactured world.” –
Dr
Anna Ploszajski, author of Handmade: A Scientist”s Search for Meaning Through Making
Biographical note:
Tim Minshall is the inaugural Dr John C. Taylor Professor of Innovation at the University of Cambridge, the head of the Engineering Department”s Institute for Manufacturing and a fellow of Churchill College. His research, teaching and outreach are focused on the links between manufacturing and innovation. He lives in Cambridge with his scientist wife, Nicola.
Promotional headline:
From an award-winning and internationally-renowned expert, a wonderfully illuminating journey through the world of manufacturing and its transformational influence on our lives – and the world around us.
Review quote: previous edition:
An extraordinarily good read. I knew nothing about manufacturing (and had not really thought about it), but with some excellent historical and current stories, and engaging personal anecdotes, Minshall leads us gently through all the stages necessary to produce all our ”stuff”. It has convinced me of the benefit of local manufacturing, and the need for even more focus on sustainability; it also made me laugh out loud.
Review quote: previous edition:
Many of us won”t have given a moment”s thought to how all the things we use are made. This brilliant book shows that manufacturing is foundational to our lives, not only now but also if there is to be any hope for a sustainable future. I learned something new on every page.<
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.