"The Mizielińskis are masters of crossover non-fiction that appeals equally to adults and children with their unique mix of bold design and quirky content." Julia Marshall, Publisher

A funky and fascinating collection of inventions that never caught on, from the authors of the international bestseller MAPS. When Leonardo da Vinci invented the tank, car, helicopter, glider, parachute, submarine, lift and telescope, over 500 years ago, he was considered a dreamer. Or even crazy. Today he is understood to be a genius, ahead of his time. This book collects ancient and modern inventions. Some are revolutionary, others comical, others were simply impossible. But each of them testifies to the extraordinary imaginations of their inventors. You will find here a flying bicycle, bubble telegraph, passenger clouds and passenger birds, mechanical chess players, a water clock, a concentration hood and many more incredible ideas.