Henry Petroski

Henry Petroski was an American engineer and professor renowned for his expertise in failure analysis. He served as the Aleksandar S. Vesic Professor of Civil Engineering and a professor of history at Duke University. A prolific author, Petroski wrote more than a dozen books, blending his technical knowledge with historical insights to explore the complexities of engineering and design.

His works often examined the intersection of engineering failures and human ingenuity, making technical subjects accessible to a broader audience. Petroski's writing career was distinguished by his ability to analyze structural and mechanical failures while highlighting the lessons they provide for innovation. He divided his time between Durham, North Carolina, and Arrowsic, Maine, where he continued to write and teach until his passing.