… Biography of a Genius
Synopsis (from the back cover):
Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), credited as the inspiration for radio, robots, and even radar, has been called the patron saint of modern electricity. Based on original material and previously unavailable documents, this acclaimed book is the definitive biography of the man considered by many to be the founding father of modern electrical technology. Among Tesla’s creations were the channelling of alternating current, fluorescent and neon lighting, wireless telegraphy, and the giant turbines that harnessed the power of Niagara Falls.
Review:
Marc takes the reader on chronological journey through the life and times of Nikola Tesla.
The book explains the inventions and ideas of Tesla and puts them into context with the life and times of the day. It explains in detail the inventor’s visionary ideas and how he gained financial backing for them and why the backing was subsequently lost.
The book also describes his character and attitude to life, and perhaps why his foresight/inventions were attributed to others. For his ideas to be accepted and moved forward he needed a promoter rather than a financial backer.
The vagaries of intellectual property law which allowed others to claim his inventions as theirs are explained in great detail as is the importance of corporations and their role in the funding of ideas.
I found it an excellent biography covering Tesla’s scientific ideas and inventions alongside the social and political history of the time.
