Step into the world of Thomas Edison as Randall E. Stross unravels the life of this icon of innovation in 'The Wizard of Menlo Park.' Discover the untold stories behind his inventions, the fierce competition he faced, and the eccentric personality that drove him. Delve into the birth of modern technology through the lens of Edison's Menlo Park laboratory, a hub of creativity and ambition. As you read, you'll uncover not just the genius of Edison, but also the societal changes his inventions sparked. Prepare to be captivated by the spirit of invention that echoes through time!
By Randall E. Stross
Published: 2008
"Genius is not just a product of the mind, but also of the heart and the relentless pursuit of possibility."
Thomas Edison’s greatest invention? His own fame. At the height of his fame Thomas Alva Edison was hailed as “the Napoleon of invention” and blazed in the public imagination as a virtual demigod. Starting with the first public demonstrations of the phonograph in 1878 and extending through the development of incandescent light and the first motion picture cameras, Edison’s name became emblematic of all the wonder and promise of the emerging age of technological marvels. But as Randall Stross makes clear in this critical biography of the man who is arguably the most globally famous of all Americans, Thomas Edison’s greatest invention may have been his own celebrity. Edison was certainly a technical genius, but Stross excavates the man from layers of myth-making and separates his true achievements from his almost equally colossal failures. How much credit should Edison receive for the various inventions that have popularly been attributed to him—and how many of them resulted from both the inspiration and the perspiration of his rivals and even his own assistants? This bold reassessment of Edison’s life and career answers this and many other important questions while telling the story of how he came upon his most famous inventions as a young man and spent the remainder of his long life trying to conjure similar success. We also meet his partners and competitors, presidents and entertainers, his close friend Henry Ford, the wives who competed with his work for his attention, and the children who tried to thrive in his shadow—all providing a fuller view of Edison’s life and times than has ever been offered before. The Wizard of Menlo Park reveals not only how Edison worked, but how he managed his own fame, becoming the first great celebrity of the modern age.
Randall E. Stross is an acclaimed author and journalist known for his insightful analysis of technology, business, and culture. His notable works include 'The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Edison Invented the Modern World', 'Steve Jobs and the Apple Revolution', and 'The Future of Business: How the New Energies of the 21st Century Will Transform Business'. Stross's writing style is characterized by thorough research, engaging narratives, and a keen ability to distill complex concepts into accessible prose, making his works appealing to both general readers and industry professionals.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
The Skaa, having slaved in misery for a thousand years under the corrupt, absolute power of the Lord Ruler, still manage to find hope, which rises once again when a criminal mastermind teams up with an unlikely heroine.
In "The Wright Brothers," David McCullough reveals the inspiring tale of two ambitious siblings who dared to dream of flight against all odds. Orville and Wilbur Wright's relentless pursuit of innovation takes them from a humble bicycle shop to the windswept shores of Kitty Hawk, where they make history with the first powered aircraft. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book unveils their trials, setbacks, and remarkable ingenuity. McCullough not only highlights their groundbreaking achievements but also delves into their close-knit family bonds and the spirit of perseverance that fueled their quest. Discover how two ordinary men changed the course of human destiny and sparked the modern era of aviation.
In "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer," renowned parenting expert Tracy Hogg unveils her groundbreaking approach to understanding and nurturing infants. With a blend of practical advice and intuitive insights, Hogg empowers parents to decode their baby’s unique cues and needs. From establishing calming routines to fostering a peaceful sleep environment, her methods promise to transform the often chaotic early days of parenthood. Discover the art of communication that transcends mere words, cultivating a profound bond with your little one. Are you ready to unlock the secrets that could revolutionize your parenting journey?
Explore the rags-to-riches journey of Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnate who transformed America’s industrial landscape. Joseph Frazier Wall delves into Carnegie's early struggles in Scotland and his rise to billionaire status in the U.S. Discover the principles of philanthropy and self-education that guided his life and legacy. The biography unveils the complexities of his character, from ambitious tycoon to benevolent benefactor. This captivating story not only chronicles a remarkable life but also challenges readers to consider their impact on society.
In 'The Sovereign Individual,' Davidson and Rees-Mogg explore the profound transformation of society in the face of digital technology and globalization. They argue that these changes are reshaping the balance of power between individuals and the state, leading to a future where personal sovereignty becomes paramount. As they dissect the implications of these shifts, the authors provoke thought on how one can thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. With bold predictions and insightful analysis, their work challenges traditional norms and beckons a new era of freedom and opportunity. Are we ready to embrace our own sovereignty in this new world?
In 'Too Big to Fail', Andrew Ross Sorkin presents a gripping behind-the-scenes look at the 2008 financial crisis, detailing the dramatic events that led to the collapse of major financial institutions. Through vivid storytelling, he introduces key players like Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, revealing their high-stakes decisions under pressure. The book explores the complexities of the banking system and the moral dilemmas faced by those in power. As the crisis unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where fortunes are lost and the global economy hangs in the balance. Sorkin's account raises questions about accountability, greed, and the fragility of economic stability, leaving readers both informed and intrigued.
In 'Going Offline', Jeremy Keith and Aaron Gustafson explore the digital world's grip on our lives and the compelling case for unplugging. Through a captivating blend of personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, they challenge readers to reconsider their online habits. The authors offer practical advice and innovative strategies to help individuals reclaim their time and mental space. With a witty tone and thought-provoking arguments, this book serves as a wake-up call for anyone feeling overwhelmed by constant connectivity. Discover the liberating power of going offline and reconnecting with the world around you!
In 'Steve Jobs', Walter Isaacson unveils the enigmatic life of the Apple co-founder, revealing the genius behind his relentless pursuit of perfection. This biography captures the brilliance and contradictions of a man who transformed entire industries with his innovative vision. Dive into the milestones of Jobs' career, from his revolutionary products to his tumultuous relationships. With candid insights from Jobs himself and those who knew him best, this book exposes the complex psyche of a modern icon. Discover how one man's dream reshaped technology, design, and the way we communicate forever.
Showing 8 of 24 similar books
Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.
Drew Houston is an accomplished American entrepreneur best known for co-founding Dropbox, a widely-used cloud storage service, in 2007. As the CEO, he has led the company to serve millions of users worldwide and become a key player in the tech industry. Although not primarily known for literature, Houston has shared his entrepreneurial insights and experiences through various interviews and public speaking engagements, offering valuable lessons to aspiring business leaders. His work has significantly influenced the way people and organizations manage and share digital content. Houston's innovative vision continues to shape the future of cloud computing and digital collaboration.
Justin Kan is an entrepreneur and author best known for co-founding the live video platforms Justin.tv and Twitch, the latter of which was acquired by Amazon for nearly a billion dollars. He has significantly impacted the tech industry with his ventures in live streaming and gaming. Kan has also shared his entrepreneurial journey and insights through various articles and public speaking engagements, inspiring a new generation of tech innovators. His contributions to literature include writing about startups, technology, and personal development. Additionally, Kan co-founded Atrium, a legal tech company, further showcasing his diverse entrepreneurial expertise.
David Friedberg is an entrepreneur, investor, and founder of The Production Board, a company focused on creating and investing in businesses that aim to solve challenges in food, agriculture, and climate change. Friedberg is also the founder of Climate Corporation, a company that uses data science to help farmers manage weather risk, which was acquired by Monsanto for $1 billion. He is a strong advocate for using technology to address global environmental and food production challenges. Friedberg’s focus on sustainability and innovation has made him a leader in the intersection of agriculture, climate science, and technology.
David Kadavy is an author, podcast host, and creativity expert, best known for his books The Heart to Start and Design for Hackers, where he explores the intersection of creativity, productivity, and design. Kadavy's work focuses on helping creators overcome procrastination, build meaningful habits, and find motivation to pursue their creative projects. He is also the host of the Love Your Work podcast, where he interviews high-performing individuals across various fields about their creative processes and productivity techniques. Kadavy’s insights stem from his own experiences as a designer and entrepreneur, offering practical advice on how to break through mental blocks and create with intention. His work emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, creativity, and a minimalist approach to both design and life. Kadavy’s books and podcast have garnered a global audience, positioning him as a thought leader in the realms of personal development and creative success.
Esther Perel is a renowned Belgian psychotherapist and author, celebrated for her groundbreaking work in the field of relationships and sexuality. She is best known for her best-selling books "Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence" and "The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity," which explore the complexities of modern love and desire. Perel's insightful TED Talks have garnered millions of views, further establishing her as a leading voice on intimacy and human connection. She also hosts the popular podcast "Where Should We Begin?" where she provides a candid look into the intricacies of couples therapy. Perel's innovative perspectives have significantly influenced contemporary discussions on relationships, making her a pivotal figure in both psychology and literature.
Cleo Abram is a distinguished journalist and content creator known for her incisive storytelling and engaging multimedia presentations. She gained widespread recognition as a producer and host for Vox's acclaimed series, "Glad You Asked," where she explored complex topics with clarity and depth. Abram's work often intersects with technology and culture, making intricate subjects accessible to a broad audience. In addition to her journalistic endeavors, she has contributed thought-provoking essays and articles to various esteemed publications. Her innovative approach to storytelling continues to influence and inspire both readers and aspiring journalists.
Andrew Wilkinson is a distinguished author and entrepreneur, best known for his insightful business writings and contributions to the tech industry. He co-founded MetaLab, a prominent design agency that has shaped the user experience of major platforms like Slack and Coinbase. Wilkinson's entrepreneurial journey and his publications provide valuable perspectives on startup culture, innovation, and leadership. His writing, often featured in leading business magazines and his personal blog, has garnered a wide readership for its practical advice and engaging storytelling. Andrew continues to influence both literature and the business world with his unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking.
Showing 8 of 19 related collections
“Genius is not just a product of the mind, but also of the heart and the relentless pursuit of possibility.”
The Wizard of Menlo Park
By Randall E. Stross
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.