Books like Stuff Matters

Stuff Matters by Mark Miodownik reads as engaging, informative. These 12 books share its genome — matched by how they actually read, not just their shelf label.

The evolution of useful things

Henry Petroski · 1992

Both explore engineering & innovation

86% genome match

The Way Things Work

David Macaulay · 1988

Both explore engineering & innovation

71% genome match

Stiff

Mary Roach · 2003

Same nonfiction feel

53% genome match

The Victorian Internet

Tom Standage · 1998

Both explore innovation

68% genome match

Napoleon's Buttons

Penny LeCouteur · 2003

Both explore chemistry & materials science

84% genome match

Ignition!

John D. Clark · 1972

Both explore chemistry & innovation

76% genome match

The Alchemy of Air

Thomas Hager · 2008

Both explore innovation

65% genome match

The Emperor of Scent

Chandler Burr · 2002

Both explore innovation

66% genome match

The map that changed the world

Simon Winchester · 2001

Same nonfiction feel

64% genome match

The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry (Cartoon Guide To...)

Larry Gonick · 2005

Both explore chemistry

65% genome match

The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets

Simon Singh · 2013

Same nonfiction feel

64% genome match

How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler

Ryan North · 1999

Same nonfiction feel

62% genome match