Who is the author of 'The Last Days of Night'?

The author of 'The Last Days of Night' is Graham Moore.

What are the main themes in 'The Last Days of Night'?

The main themes in 'The Last Days of Night' include History, History of Technology, Science and Nature, Scientific Discoveries.

What genre is 'The Last Days of Night'?

'The Last Days of Night' is categorized as History, Science and Nature.

What historical period does 'The Last Days of Night' focus on?

'The Last Days of Night' focuses on the late 19th century, specifically the timeframe surrounding the War of the Currents in the 1880s, when competing electrical systems and technologies, primarily between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse, were developed.

Who are the main characters in the book, and what roles do they play in the story?

In 'The Last Days of Night' by Graham Moore, the main characters include: Woodrow Wilson - The then-president of the United States, who plays a crucial role in the legal battles over patent rights concerning electric lighting. George Westinghouse - An inventor and entrepreneur who supports the development of alternating current (AC) and is a key figure in the competition against Thomas Edison. Thomas Edison - The famous inventor and proponent of direct current (DC), he finds himself in fierce rivalry with Westinghouse over the future of electric power. Paul Cravath - A young lawyer who becomes the protagonist of the story. He is enlisted by Westinghouse to represent him in a lawsuit against Edison. Throughout the narrative, Cravath navigates legal and ethical dilemmas while also reflecting on the innovations of the era. Margaret (Maggie) Westinghouse - George's wife who provides emotional support to him and influences some of the decisions made in the story. These characters are central to the themes of innovation, rivalry, and the legal battles that shaped the modern electric industry.

What major conflict drives the plot of 'The Last Days of Night'?

The major conflict driving the plot of 'The Last Days of Night' centers around the fierce competition between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse in the late 19th century over who will control the future of electricity. The story unfolds through the perspective of Paul Cravath, a young lawyer representing Westinghouse, as he becomes embroiled in the controversial battle over electric power systems, particularly the struggle between Edison's direct current (DC) and Westinghouse's alternating current (AC). This conflict also involves elements of personal rivalry, innovation, and the impact of technological change on society.

How does the book explore the theme of innovation and competition?

In 'The Last Days of Night,' Graham Moore explores the theme of innovation and competition through the historical context of the late 19th century, focusing on the rivalry between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse over the development of electrical power. The book portrays innovation not just as a technological race but as a battle of ideas, personalities, and business strategies. Moore illustrates how Edison's aggressive approach to protecting his patents and reputation forces competitors to think creatively and differently. Characters like Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla exemplify how innovation can arise from collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking in response to competition. The narrative highlights the moral and ethical challenges that inventors faced—often sacrificing personal relationships and integrity in pursuit of success. This culminates in a broader commentary on how innovation shapes society and the way competition drives progress, often at a significant personal cost.

What is the significance of light and electricity in the context of the story?

In 'The Last Days of Night' by Graham Moore, light and electricity symbolize both the profound possibilities of innovation and the intense personal and professional conflicts in the race to harness them. The story takes place during the late 19th century, a period characterized by fierce competition in the field of electrical engineering, particularly between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse. Light represents progress, hope, and the transformative power of technology for society; it illuminates lives and connects people. However, it also serves as a catalyst for rivalry, greed, and ethical dilemmas, as inventors and entrepreneurs grapple with the implications of their inventions. The quest for dominance in the electric light industry evokes themes of ambition, rivalry, and the moral complexities of innovation. Characters are motivated by personal ambitions and are caught in the larger battle between differing visions for the future of electricity—incandescent versus alternating current. Ultimately, light and electricity in the story not only drive the plot forward but also reflect the era's broader societal shifts and the impact of technological advancement on human relationships.

The Last Days of Night Book Summary

In the electrifying world of 1888, "The Last Days of Night" follows the fierce battle between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse over the future of electricity. Amidst corporate espionage and technological innovation, a young lawyer named Paul Cravath navigates this thrilling landscape of ambition and betrayal. As he uncovers secrets and confronts moral dilemmas, Paul finds himself entangled not only in a war of inventions but also in a complicated romance with the enigmatic figure of Westinghouse's assistant. With the fate of electric power hanging in the balance, can he outsmart the titans of industry? This captivating tale of ingenuity and rivalry will leave you questioning the true cost of progress.

By Graham Moore

Published: 2017

""In the battle of brilliance, light itself is the ultimate victor.""

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A world of invention and skulduggery, populated by the likes of Edison, Westinghouse, and Tesla.”—Erik Larson “A model of superior historical fiction . . . an exciting, sometimes astonishing story.”—The Washington Post From Graham Moore, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of The Imitation Game and New York Times bestselling author of The Sherlockian, comes a thrilling novel—based on actual events—about the nature of genius, the cost of ambition, and the battle to electrify America. New York, 1888. Gas lamps still flicker in the city streets, but the miracle of electric light is in its infancy. The person who controls the means to turn night into day will make history—and a vast fortune. A young untested lawyer named Paul Cravath, fresh out of Columbia Law School, takes a case that seems impossible to win. Paul’s client, George Westinghouse, has been sued by Thomas Edison over a billion-dollar question: Who invented the light bulb and holds the right to power the country? The case affords Paul entry to the heady world of high society—the glittering parties in Gramercy Park mansions, and the more insidious dealings done behind closed doors. The task facing him is beyond daunting. Edison is a wily, dangerous opponent with vast resources at his disposal—private spies, newspapers in his pocket, and the backing of J. P. Morgan himself. Yet this unknown lawyer shares with his famous adversary a compulsion to win at all costs. How will he do it? In obsessive pursuit of victory, Paul crosses paths with Nikola Tesla, an eccentric, brilliant inventor who may hold the key to defeating Edison, and with Agnes Huntington, a beautiful opera singer who proves to be a flawless performer on stage and off. As Paul takes greater and greater risks, he’ll find that everyone in his path is playing their own game, and no one is quite who they seem. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST AND THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER “A satisfying romp . . . Takes place against a backdrop rich with period detail . . . Works wonderfully as an entertainment . . . As it charges forward, the novel leaves no dot unconnected.”—Noah Hawley, The New York Times Book Review

Graham Moore is a celebrated American author and screenwriter, best known for his novel 'The Sherlockian,' which garnered critical acclaim and was a finalist for the Edgar Award. His breakout novel, 'The Last Days of Night,' won the 2016 Edgar Award for Best Novel and was adapted into a feature film. Moore's writing style is characterized by its intricate plots, rich historical contexts, and well-developed characters, drawing readers into complex narratives that often explore themes of identity and morality. In addition to his novels, he has written screenplays for major films, including 'The Imitation Game,' which was nominated for an Academy Award. Moore's ability to weave fact and fiction sets him apart as a master storyteller in contemporary literature.

Similar books you might like →