Top 10 Gift Books for Invention Lovers

By Kenji Kawakami and Dan Papia - "Chindogu" is the Japanese word for the art of the unuseless idea, a phrase invented by the master of whacky gizmos, Kenji Kawakami - The best coffee table book of gadgets and gizmos ever written, with gorgeous photos.

By Otha Richard Sullivan/James Haskins - This book sets the history records straight by being full of the biographies of distinguished black inventors from the 19th and 20th centuries - highlights include Granville T. Woods (electric railroad) and Jan Matzelinger (affordable shoes).

By Louis Harbor - Biographies of fourteen prominent African American scientists and inventors - including Benjamin Banneker (farmers' almanac), George Washington Carver (farm innovations), and Granville T. Woods (electric railroad). Very reasonably priced.

By Samuel Todd - The "Book Of Great Inventions" focuses on the inventions we all take for granted but could not live without, the inside story and concepts behind the great inventions of history, including, planes, cars, trains and telephones. Very reasonably priced.**

By David Pressman - Written by a patent attorney and former patent examiner, comes complete with filing forms and step-by-step instructions. For those of you wishing to undertake the challenge to "Patent It Yourself" this is your guide and the most highly recommended book of its' genre.

By Ethlie A. Vare/Greg Ptacek - Written by the authors of "Mothers of Invention", this second collaboration on the history of women inventors even exceeds the first. Has information which is nearly impossible to find anywhere else.

By Bob Dematteis - Read in layperson terms all about the invention development process. This book is a road map to success. Dematteis is a promarketing expert who teaches you how to evaluate your invention's merits and its sales potential with an expert you know and trust.

By Tom Rauscher/Cathie Kennedy - This is a guide book to what to do with your great ideas. How to develop and market them into a profit. Learn about invention prototyping, patenting and marketing. Included are chapters on venture capitol and the raising the all important seed money.

The hottest invention story of the last century was the birth of the personal computer. "Fire in the Valley" makes computer history as exciting and intriguing as a best-selling novel. Only it's all true.

Teaches your child about the principles of gravity, inertia, balance, and energy with hands-on invention projects. Uses common household items and easy-to-follow instructions.**