What are bulletproof vests made of? How do they get lipstick into the tube? How much brass does it take to make a trumpet? This book offers a behind-the-machine look at 34 types of everyday objects, including air bags, guitars, helicopters, compact discs, lawn mowers, running shoes, and chocolate. Along with detailed illustrations, diagrams, and sidebars, the book offers plenty of trivia tidbits (Edison didn't really invent the light bulb; the first bar code was on a pack of Wrigley Spearmint gum) and is rather intriguingly bound in denim cloth with a useable pocket on the front.