Promises for the future were made; some sadly broken and some unfortunately honored. While we didn’t get household jetpacks or personal serving robots, we did receive intriguing building materials like asbestos, lead, and foam. What was the utopian vision for early twentieth-century households? Follies of Science captures this knowledge, showcasing the allure of lead paint on walls, DDT foggers eliminating mosquitoes, and the concept of homeowners residing in “The Foam House of the Future.” The imagery of commuters zooming to work on jet packs adds to the fantastical vision. Illustrated with both full-color and black-and-white classic images, the book invites readers to explore what could have been and what should not have been. Eric Dregni, author of nine books, including Midwest Marvels and The Scooter Bible, has a diverse background as a 2004 Fulbright Fellow in Norway, where he researched Scandinavian culture. He currently splits his time between Italy, Norway, and Minneapolis, where he curates the El Dorado Conquistador Museum and plays guitar in the mock-rock band Vinnie & the Stardüsters. Jonathan Dregni, a futurist and sci-fi enthusiast, raises a family near the future domed cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Jonathan Dregni Knihy
