Buy new:
-15% $20.28
FREE delivery Friday, May 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$20.28 with 15 percent savings
List Price: $23.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, May 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 16. Order within 21 hrs 8 mins
In Stock
$$20.28 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$20.28
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$10.50
Hardcover. Ex Library with usual markings, stamps and/or stickers. Good condition. Gently read. Mylar cover on dust jacket, taped to book. Clean pages and tight binding. Proceeds benefit the Pima County Public Library system, which serves Tucson and southern Arizona. Until further notice, USPS Priority Mail only reliable option for Hawaii. Hardcover. Ex Library with usual markings, stamps and/or stickers. Good condition. Gently read. Mylar cover on dust jacket, taped to book. Clean pages and tight binding. Proceeds benefit the Pima County Public Library system, which serves Tucson and southern Arizona. Until further notice, USPS Priority Mail only reliable option for Hawaii. See less
$3.99 delivery May 20 - 21. Details
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$20.28 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$20.28
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by Friends Library.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Dan Nott
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet, and the Secrets Behind the Systems We Use Every Day (A Graphic Novel) Hardcover – March 14, 2023

by Dan Nott (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 99 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$20.28","priceAmount":20.28,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"20","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"28","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"JQWA438siGxNPXLMrNk%2BOPGI8K89uLlW1i5qhSTwItP3Wj91%2BMRLbeFRIy58Q3qJCGQkxjWZ5PolZU03bP4lTOSnQw3hUP6qrpX9sBwg2PXfTxE6V6V0IdYjd%2FzKw1ohSsT%2FHnae4SFtGXumYM7dcw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$10.50","priceAmount":10.50,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"10","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"50","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"JQWA438siGxNPXLMrNk%2BOPGI8K89uLlWPHAcFWpuYQlZ68Tg3iHdvKmnXKSi9xQkj1wuGDCCPvS1JC4SrxMvnTqxv22d%2B8rKEsfN7HYusNptLlxGRU1hGvkp7aYL3hbxTncAgmX2zeRafanTGp%2BlqZNs4SM2veMf5PCX%2Ft5diICPev3hy6CLCA%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

We use water, electricity, and the internet every day--but how do they actually work? And what’s the plan to keep them running for years to come? This nonfiction science graphic novel takes readers on a journey from how the most essential systems were developed to how they are implemented in our world today and how they will be used in the future.

What was the first message sent over the internet? How much water does a single person use every day? How was the electric light invented?

For every utility we use each day, there’s a hidden history--a story of intrigue, drama, humor, and inequity. This graphic novel provides a guided tour through the science of the past--and reveals how the decisions people made while inventing and constructing early technology still affect the way people use it today.

Full of art, maps, and diagrams, Hidden Systems is a thoughtful, humorous exploration of the history of science and what needs to be done now to change the future.
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    12 - 17 years
  2. Print length
    272 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    7 - 9
  5. Lexile measure
    GN1320L
  6. Dimensions
    6.44 x 1.13 x 9.38 inches
  7. Publisher
    Random House Graphic
  8. Publication date
    March 14, 2023
  9. ISBN-10
    0593125363
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0593125366
  11. See all details
Next page
Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

Frequently bought together

Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet, and the Secrets Behind the Systems We Use Every Day (A Graphic Novel)
$20.28
Get it as soon as Friday, May 17
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Engineering in Plain Sight: An Illustrated Field Guide to the Constructed Environment
$23.49
Get it as soon as Friday, May 17
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Way Things Work: Newly Revised Edition
$17.87
Get it as soon as Friday, May 17
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Hidden Systems is the book I’ll use to teach my kids how the internet works....incredibly readable." —The Verge

★ “The true power of comics is on display here, with complex, difficult-to-comprehend structures presented both through a variety of metaphors and by placing those metaphors in context with simplified renditions of their real physical appearance.” —Booklist, starred review

“Performs a valuable service.”— Kirkus Reviews

“A necessary introductory approach to everyday systems that briefly interrogates the bias and inequalities imbedded within them.” —Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Dan Nott is a cartoonist, illustrator, and educator living in Vermont. Dan’s short comics and illustrations for investigative journalism have appeared in The Nib and Spotlight PA and in publications for WBUR and NJ Advance Media, among others. Dan graduated from the Center for Cartoon Studies and was the lead writer and cartoonist for its free nationally distributed comic on US government called This Is What Democracy Looks Like. Dan teaches classes on making comics and comics history.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House Graphic (March 14, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593125363
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593125366
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 17 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ GN1320L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.69 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.44 x 1.13 x 9.38 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 99 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Dan Nott

Dan Nott

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Dan Nott is a cartoonist, illustrator, and educator living in Vermont.

Dan’s nonfiction work uses comics to explore and untangle complex topics, and create a basis for understanding current events. His debut nonfiction graphic novel, Hidden Systems (Random House Graphic, March 2023) was selected as an Indies Next and Indies Introduce pick by the American Booksellers Association. He has released two comic books with the Center for Cartoon Studies, This is What Democracy Looks Like: A Graphic Guide to Governance, and Freedom and Unity: A Graphic Guide to Civics and Democracy in Vermont.

Dan’s short comics and illustrations for investigative journalism have appeared in The Nib, Spotlight PA, WBUR, and NJ Advance Media, among others. In 2022, his comics work was exhibited at Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute, for the exhibit Drawing Us Together: Public Life and Public Health in Contemporary Comics.

Dan graduated from the Center for Cartoon Studies, where he now teaches an MFA course on comics history, theory and communities called Survey of the Drawn Story.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
99 global ratings
Brilliantly executed, important, and compelling
5 Stars
Brilliantly executed, important, and compelling
I grabbed this book from Revolution in White River Junction while just passing through with some friends. There were 2 copies and my buddy and I bought them both. Hidden Systems is unlike anything I’ve ever read before - a non-fiction graphic novel about 3 of the most important systems of systems that we rely on each and every day. It’s smart while remaining humble, entertaining while remaining educational, and artistic while remaining accurate. It could be the most relevant book I have ever found for the widest audience. Dan breaks down complexities in ways everyone can understand and in a manner that most will want to read. Extremely well done, Dan. You should be proud of Hidden Systems - it’s brilliant!
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

SH
5.0 out of 5 stars Nominated in 2023 for the National Book Award: Excellent, informative, and not just for young people
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2023
Verified Purchase
I learned so much from reading this book! I really didn’t understand how these work or the history behind them. A fascinating book, and the graphic nature of it makes it so much easier to understand. I am not surprised it was nominated in 2023 for a National
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Frode P. Bergsager
5.0 out of 5 stars Usefull for both kids and grown ups.
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2023
Verified Purchase
Shows the hidden systems responsible for keeping our modern societies working, told in cartoon pictures and text. It shows us both advantages and disadvantages of the systems, and doesn't omit important information some people try hard to censor or hide...

In some ways it reminds me of XKCD (Randall Munroe); there is both entertainment and education.

The cartoon format is able to show the essential information without information overload from color photos and long text explanations.

(Kindle edition used on large iPad screen, have not tried it on E-Ink screen of Kindle).
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Logan
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book has incredible illustrations, is packed with information and is easily understandable. It's overall a great book to read.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
WVann
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Summary, Little Moralizing...
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is an excellent summary of the large systems that support modern life. Its descriptions of the internet and electric power systems are clear and easy for non-STEM readers to understand.

The description of modern water system is less robust; largely ignoring sewage treatment by cities, pollution control efforts of industry and the success of regulators in both Europe and North America improving the water quality of lakes and rivers.

There is some moralizing but its easy to skip over. Colonialism (circa 1880-1960) is blamed for 2023 water shortages, internet routing and poor electrical grids in the developing world. Monopolistic utilities and not their diligent overseers, the state power regulators, are blamed for all grid failures and the resulting wild fires.

I recommend this quick read for those interested in a 30K foot oversight of these systems.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
LG. Y.
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful gift a father found for his son
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2024
My 9-year-old son was absolutely captivated by this book's blend of time, science, nature, and engineering. From the moment I handed it to him, he couldn't put it down and has read it multiple times since. It's a rare find that speaks directly to his interests and level of understanding, while leading to much deeper thinking. This makes a cherished addition to his childhood journey.

Make more of those books please!
Helpful
 Report
Tony Mac
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy, digestible way to introduce people to infrastructure
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2023
There was a review to the effect of how it was too much for him to understand and to explain to his kid.

That's what we call a skill issue.

Great book: easily digestible, great intro to anything STEM/cultural science related.

I guess maybe don't have a shoe sized IQ and this book is wonderful.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Randy 🌹🌹
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly executed, important, and compelling
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2023
I grabbed this book from Revolution in White River Junction while just passing through with some friends. There were 2 copies and my buddy and I bought them both. Hidden Systems is unlike anything I’ve ever read before - a non-fiction graphic novel about 3 of the most important systems of systems that we rely on each and every day. It’s smart while remaining humble, entertaining while remaining educational, and artistic while remaining accurate. It could be the most relevant book I have ever found for the widest audience. Dan breaks down complexities in ways everyone can understand and in a manner that most will want to read. Extremely well done, Dan. You should be proud of Hidden Systems - it’s brilliant!
Customer image
Randy 🌹🌹
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly executed, important, and compelling
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2023
I grabbed this book from Revolution in White River Junction while just passing through with some friends. There were 2 copies and my buddy and I bought them both. Hidden Systems is unlike anything I’ve ever read before - a non-fiction graphic novel about 3 of the most important systems of systems that we rely on each and every day. It’s smart while remaining humble, entertaining while remaining educational, and artistic while remaining accurate. It could be the most relevant book I have ever found for the widest audience. Dan breaks down complexities in ways everyone can understand and in a manner that most will want to read. Extremely well done, Dan. You should be proud of Hidden Systems - it’s brilliant!
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Meredith Angwin
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent answers. Plus questions.
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2023
"Hidden Systems" is an attractive, informative book about things we take for granted: electricity, water coming out of a tap, the internet. Nott is careful to keep things realistic. For example, "cloud computing" doesn't take place in a cloud. The "cloud" is a server farm, which uses a lot of electricity. Another example is how our use of water fits into the planet's hydrological cycle. We use all these systems, but the systems themselves are mostly hidden from us.
Nott also covers some of the questions that we may have about these systems. Important questions include our choices for our electric power supply and whether some of our water use hurts people that live downstream. Depending on your politics, you may or may not like these parts of the book. On the other hand, there is an engineering aphorism that "there are no solutions: there are only tradeoffs." A young person reading this book will learn about how our hidden systems operate. She will also learn about tradeoffs and the questions that still remain to be answered.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Lisa Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book! Highly recommended!
Reviewed in Canada on August 4, 2023
Verified Purchase
I bought this for an 11 year old but I read it and loved it. This is a fabulous book for a gift or for your home library.
Report
Client d'Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars What a gem of a book
Reviewed in France on May 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
Really good book. Explaining in simple terms and drawings how the system we use everyday work. But more deeply, who do they impact? And asking questions on how we can do better.
I find this format better than the one we can find in the things explainer book.
Report