MOVING HEAVY THINGS

by Jan Adkins ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 23, 1980

If you know a youngster of ten or more with a ruminative turn of mind, a considerable technical vocabulary, and no objection to a 10 x 6 3/4"" picture-book format (or a title out of second grade), you have a prospect, perhaps, for Jan Adkins' country-slicker coverage of how to expeditiously move heavy things beginning with proper use of the body. Actually, Adkins precedes that worthwhile information with 16 abstract precepts, including ""The Aristotelian Approach"" (""In short, think about it"") and ""Applied Sloth"" (""Creativity germinates in indolence. . .""). Then, with friction, we get a whole catalogue of friction-lessening devices ranging in complexity from a tarpaulin to a cradle for moving a boat--whose structure and operation are illustrated and described in detail. Equally suggestive, though less extensive, are the sections on lines and knots, the block-and-tackle, levers, wedges, jacks, winches, and barrels. While it would be difficult to, say, pull a stump merely on the basis of the instructions here, this does provide an introduction to the principles and equipment involved. A philosophical primer, then; and, as it happens, a much less efficient aid than those it recommends.

Pub Date: April 23, 1980

ISBN: 0937822825

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1980

Categories: NONFICTION