Eighteen-year-old Conn leaves Ireland and sails to America, where he helps build the first Ferris wheel for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.

Examines how the engineer George Ferris invented and constructed the amusement park ride that bears his name for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

The World's Fair in Chicago, 1893, was to be a spectacular event: architects, musicians, artists, and inventors worked on special exhibits to display the glories of their countries. But the Fair's planners wanted something really special, something on the scale of the Eiffel Tower, which had been constructed for France's fair three years earlier. At last, engineer George Ferris had an idea-a crazy, unrealistic, gigantic idea. He would construct a twenty-six-story tall observation wheel. The planners didn't think it could be done. They called it a "monstrosity." It wouldn't be safe. But George fought for his design. Finally, in December 1892, with only four months to go until the fair, George was given permission to build his wheel. He had to fight the tight schedule, bad weather, and general disapproval. Against all odds, the Ferris Wheel turned out to be the talk of the Fair, and proof that dreaming big dreams could pay off. Today, George's Ferris Wheel is an icon of adventure and amusement throughout the world.

A novel on missionary work in the future. The protagonist is Father John Alston, a priest who works in a Third World country plagued by pollution and disease--from which he is immune because of an implant. The year is 2170. Through his eyes is seen the technological gap between the rich West and the world's have-nots.

Satirical take on life on the road with Elvis Costello and the Attractions, by the band's bass player.

"Discusses George Ferris' invention of the Ferris Wheel and the man behind it, including the idea, the obstacles, and the eventual success"--