According to Paley (inventor, entrepreneur, and teacher) a great invention must solve a universal problem in a manner that is simple, elegant, and robust. He uses the paper clip as a primary example of an invention that exemplifies these characteristics. Intended for the aspiring inventor, the volume discusses the creative process of invention. The paper clip, he says, is extremely simple, easy and cheap to manufacture, highly effective, and commonplace in everyday life, factors which make the paper clip one of the most successful inventions. Paley provides readers with insight from his years of experience as an inventor on how to work creatively to solve problems. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)