The mother of all industrial-design books, this three-volume set is an addictive read from the very first object, a simple pair of bonsai scissors, from 1663, that are still manufactured in China, to the last, an innovative collection of bathroom accessories designed by Barber Osgerby in 2004. Presenting 999 classic design objects on more than 2,800 pages, the compilation is organized in a clear, concise, and stylish manner that stimulates both the mind and the eye. Practical products, including the safety pin and paper clip, and quirky ones, such as the yo-yo and disco ball, share space with home furnishings by modernist masters Josef Hoffmann, Eileen Gray, and Alvar Aalto, as well as contemporary stars Marc Newson, Jasper Morrison, and Philippe Starck.

Each massive volume is organized chronologically and beautifully illustrated with old advertisements, patent diagrams, logos, and photographs of the designers and their enduring objects. Every design receives at least a two-page spread. Certain uber-recognizable objects, such as the Swiss Army Knife or the sleek Aston Martin DB5 (of Goldfinger fame), demand four pages of images and text. The volumes also contain comprehensive indices that include lists of the designers, products, and authors. Leaders in the industrial design field, such as Richard Sapper (who designed the Tizio Lamp and IBM ThinkPad) and George Nelson (responsible for the playful Marshmallow Sofa), have multiple entries. Even the occasional fine artist merits inclusion — Donald Judd makes the cut with one of his minimal, geometric chairs. From cars and planes to ketchup bottles and trash cans, the best designs of the past and present are dynamically compiled here to inform, inspire, and incite desire.

-Paul Laster