51 High-Tech Practical Jokes for the Evil Genius

Prior to ordering this tome, I read through the reviews that others had already posted. Based on those reviews, I decided to order two (2) copies, each of which were to be Christmas gifts for 14-year old boys who enjoy a good prank. I can now report that the gifts have cemented my reputation, in the minds of the recipients, as a totally cool dude who knows how to find a great gift and, in the minds of the recipients' mothers, as an incurable delinquent who can only be classified as a corruptible influence on their children.One of the recipients, a young entrepreneurial type who will probably be his family's first millionaire, has already made (and sold to friends) a number of the items in this book --- primarily, the disposable camera TASER. He reports that he has also tested some of the items --- primarily, the disposable camera TASER ---on his older and younger siblings, much to their chagrin and irritation (and much to his delight and pleasure).Before wrapping and sending the gifts, I scanned through the book to see what some of the projects involved and to judge whether they would be within the abilities of the recipients. While there is a bit of technical skill required, it should not be beyond the ken of the average 14-year old with mischief on his mind. (In fact, mischief can be a great motivation to learn new skills and information. Having harmless fun at someone else's expense, especially in the view of a 14-year old, is one of life's great pleasures --- especially when it involves a disposable camera TASER.)In truth, the average 50-year old who is going on 14 will also enjoy this book. As an electrical engineer, I wish that such a book had been available when I was growing up (or, perhaps better to say, when I still has a LOT of growing up to do). It is both an educational text as well as a source of fun once a chosen project is complete.So, do you know a 14-year old for whom you are trying to find a good gift? If he's even the least bit technically inclined (or if his father is), chances are that this book will satisfy the "evil genius" within him and will also cause your gift to be remembered long after other gifts have been forgotten.(Please note that this is the only book from the "Evil Genius" series with which I am personally familiar. Other books in the series may or may not live up to their titles. This one does, and I would heartily recommend it.)

What can I say that other reviewers haven't said in their reviews? This book is fantastic! I am a electronics technician by trade and discovered these 'evil genius' books while researching other electronics books here on Amazon. There must be at least fifty of these 'for the evil genius' titles and more are being added all the time. I'm buying a couple new ones every month until I have them all. I've noticed they all have different authors, thus some books are better than others. Never the less, I'm buying them all. There's enough material in just one of these books to keep a person busy for years. What's really missing is one titled 'Basic Electronics for the Evil Genius', as a knowledge of electronics is required to understand the material contained in these books.

I bought this book for my dad who is working on an electronics course. After we both had a good giggle about all the ideas in this book (it is fun to read even if you have no plans to make any of the projects), Dad got to work making some of them. He made a spooky music maker out of some old broken stuff and an alarm for his shop fridge that shouts "Get away from my beer!" He used some of the other plans against his friends too! Some of the ideas are really nasty and only funny in concept. All in all there were plans for some really funny stuff and was very enjoyable. Good purchase, no regrets whatsoever.

After a long search i found the instructions to build a shock machine in this book. The book provides a great way to teach people about electronics and i am having a lot of fun (together with my 10 yr old son) to work on the projects.

The book had some simple and creative circuits that are perfect for lighthearted mischief. The schematics were clear and the descriptions gave some helpful assembly tips. This book is a great way to learn the basics while building some fun projects.

My husband is crazy about this Evil Genius series. These things seem to make him smile. I'll buy all that he wants!

This is a fun book for anyone technically minded. Fun projects ideas to build. Perfect to bolster your inner geek.

A really good gag gift. I bought this for my friend (age 40) and he actually read the whole thing (while on the job)!

Ok... been a few years since I bought this as a Christmas or Birthday gift for my 13 / 14yr old lad... he loved it... still laughs about the fun it created aged 25yrs!. Had to respond, as other reviewer thought it too hard... but then I alwats suspected my lad WAS an evil genius!