Universal change is often the result of one individual breakthrough—an invention that triggers a ripple effect across countries, continents, or even out into space. This book looks at 50 such innovations, from early milestones (the wheel) through materials (the invention of plastic) to communications (the Worldwide Web) and the conveniences of modern life (indoor plumbing). Each invention is explained in a 300 word brief—digestible in 30 seconds—along with one-line summations, names of key figures, directions for further study, and full-page illustrations.