The Perfectionists

How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World

By: Simon Winchester

Narrated by: Simon Winchester

The revered New York Times best-selling author traces the development of technology from the Industrial Age to the Digital Age to explore the single component crucial to advancement - precision - in a superb history that is both an homage and a warning for our future.

The rise of manufacturing could not have happened without an attention to precision. At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in 18th-century England, standards of measurement were established, giving way to the development of machine tools - machines that make machines. Eventually, the application of precision tools and methods resulted in the creation and mass production of items from guns and glass to mirrors, lenses, and cameras - and eventually gave way to further breakthroughs, including gene splicing, microchips, and the Hadron Collider.

Simon Winchester takes us back to origins of the Industrial Age, to England where he introduces the scientific minds that helped usher in modern production: John Wilkinson, Henry Maudslay, Joseph Bramah, Jesse Ramsden, and Joseph Whitworth. It was Thomas Jefferson who later exported their discoveries to the fledgling United States, setting the nation on its course to become a manufacturing titan. Winchester moves forward through time, to today’s cutting-edge developments occurring around the world, from America to Western Europe to Asia.

As he introduces the minds and methods that have changed the modern world, Winchester explores fundamental questions. Why is precision important? What are the different tools we use to measure it? Who has invented and perfected it? Has the pursuit of the ultra-precise in so many facets of human life blinded us to other things of equal value, such as an appreciation for the age-old traditions of craftsmanship, art, and high culture? Are we missing something that reflects the world as it is, rather than the world as we think we would wish it to be? And can the precise and the natural co-exist in society?

©2018 Simon Winchester (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Winchester's writing style is straightforward, which makes it effective in audio. He spices his narrative with numerous interesting facts and ironies, which make listening even more pleasurable. He defines technical and scientific terms in a way that makes it easy for general listeners to understand them. Winchester also does the narration, adopting a conversational tone that is highly suited to the work." (AudioFile)

A precise account of precision by a perfectionist

Simon Winchester's polished, yet sincere, unpretentious and, yes, precise narrative is a delight to listen to, which only adds to the experience of learning about the intricacies of the machinations of the world of engineering. The text is never boring, and is not only informative, but, crucially, formative, conducing the reader through the bootstrapping processes that led humanity to ever decreasing uncertainty about our physical world all the way to the unfathomable achievements of state of the art precision engineering. The author's delivery is impeccable, with minute attention to intonation, pace and register. A delight to notice very subtle changes in accent from Received Pronunciation to American or Australian pronunciation when Winchester is quoting and American and an Australian, respectively. Highly recommended entertainment and education.

Long winded but still good

This was a very interesting listen. I kept wanting to pause the book and look at a Rolls-Royce or check out an jet engine schematic. I highly recommend, but be prepared for minor digressions now and again.

Technically Satisfying

As an American, I loved the worldview this book brought to the history of precision and engineering in general. I learned how Britain and the US were both alike a different in their early manufacturing philosophies. The narrator's (and author's) voice was very easy to listen to.

Love Winchester

Simon Winchester's books are always interesting and informative. Made better by his own narration. They keep getting better.

Fascinating progression of things

Love the details in the narrative and Mr. Winchester’s voice. Another excellent book for this armchair engineer.

Great for Science and History Buffs

Winchester always pleases and The Perfectionists is no different. Thoroughly researched and well told, revealing little known facts along the way. I'll surely listen again.

A perfect look at perfection

An interesting look at the history of precision. If you are interested in metrology this book is gor you. If you don't know about metrology this book will help you understand why it is so important in our daily lives. The narrator was perfect for the subject. He did a fantastic job of reading lots of numbers with lots of zeroes and kept it interesting.

Weak finish, but the bulk of it was excellent

The historical portion, which made up most of the book was really excellent. Educational and really helped bring the journey of perfection to life.. Once the author started talking about cameras and then more modern technology I think it really slipped, but not enough to avoid recommending the book.

Engineering History with a Personal Message

Inspirational for either the aspiring student or engineer preoccupied with the relentless honing of their craft.

Absolutely Fascinating Chains of Obscurata

I found this book to be riveting in the same way the old broadcast series Connections showed how seemingly disconnected people and items were in fact connected in ways we could not imagine..