St. Martin's Griffin The Existential Pleasures of Engineering

In saying just as much about existentialism as about engineering, Florman writes an informative account of the modern-day engineer's experience of his/her profession. But this account, in light of certain outcomes of 20th/21st century engineering, approaches an 'apologia'. Whether or not theories pertaining to existentialism will prove to be safeguards against a sometimes 'wayward' engineering remains to be seen. But an existentially pleasurable pursuit of engineering seems to be innocuous enough, if Florman has been understood correctly; and may well dictate engineering's most appropriate and fruitful future.

As an engineering graduate and a practicing consultant writing software for a living, I believe the message in this book applies to everyone that works with technology, not just the "hard" engineering subjects like civil, mechanical, chemical, aerospace, etc. Since technology now is all around us and an inescapable part of most jobs, crafts and hobbies, this book also may be worth reading by all tinkerers and DIYers.I couldn't put down the book and came away wishing I had read it before I went to engineering school. All the arguments ring true for me and it was a joy to read. I'll certainly be passing my copy along to my nieces currently in high school.

It is very well-written and well-thought-out. Florman presents a lucid, intelligent review of the historical trends in Engineering--both pros and cons.Even though I am not an engineer in real life, I had once hoped to become one and have fantasized being a Vulcan Engineer in Star Trek sites. So, although I am not a professional engineer, I completely respect such qualified persons and feel that they are indeed among the prime movers of civilization.

I gift this to every graduate I know going into engineering or a related field. This book is one of the most human analyses of the engineering mindset and desire to build that I have ever read. This is a must read for all engineers.

The headline says it all. I’ve given this to PhD students in Applied Math, young and old Engineers, self-made (no degree) engineers, and retired engineers like myself.