Thomas Edison was a prolific inventor who created industries that have altered life around the globe, including electric light and power, recorded sound and motion pictures, telecommunications, battery technology, office machinery, Portland Cement manufacture, and processes for working low-grade ores. He was able to contribute to such a wide array of industries because he brought together teams of skilled research assistants and machinists at his workshops and laboratories in Newark, Menlo Park, and West Orange in New Jersey. This transformation has become a crucial feature of the modern world, and the book includes a detailed chronology of Edisons life and work, an introduction, an A-to-Z section, an extensive bibliography, modern, contemporaneous, and juvenile biographies, and thirteen subject areas related to Edisons work and influence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2024
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Thomas Edison: The Most Prolific Inventor in American History

Thomas Edison, the most prolific inventor in American history, played a significant role in creating industries that have altered life around the globe. His inventions in electric light and power, recorded sound and motion pictures, telecommunications, battery technology, office machinery, Portland Cement manufacture, and processes for working low-grade ores have had a profound impact on society. Edison's success was not due to his lone inventorship but rather to his ability to bring together teams of skilled research assistants and machinists at his workshops and laboratories in Newark, Menlo Park, and West Orange in New Jersey. These teams allowed him to do more than any one person could do, transforming invention into a larger process of research, development, and commercialization known as innovation. This transformation has become a crucial feature of the modern world, and Edison's legacy continues to inspire and influence inventors and entrepreneurs today.

Chronology of Edison's Life and Work

Edison's life and work can be traced through a detailed chronology that spans over 80 years. Born in 1847 in Ohio, Edison began his career as a telegraph operator and quickly became interested in electricity. He founded his first laboratory in Menlo Park in 1876 and began working on various inventions, including the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, and the motion picture camera. Throughout his career, Edison faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but he never gave up on his dreams. He was a tireless innovator, constantly seeking new ways to improve his inventions and make them more accessible to the public. Edison's work was not limited to the United States; he traveled extensively and established laboratories and businesses in Europe, Asia, and South America. His inventions and innovations have had a lasting impact on the world, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest inventors of all time.

Encyclopedic Entries on Edison's Inventions, Laboratories, Business Enterprises, Public Image, and Individuals Associated with Him

The A-to-Z section of this book includes three hundred encyclopedic entries on Edison's inventions, laboratories, business enterprises, public image, and numerous individuals with whom he was associated. These entries provide detailed information about Edison's life, work, and achievements, and they are accompanied by illustrations and photographs. The encyclopedic entries are organized alphabetically, making it easy to find specific information about Edison's inventions, laboratories, or other topics. The entries also include cross-references to other entries, making it easy to explore related topics. The encyclopedic entries are a valuable resource for anyone interested in Edison's life and work, and they provide a comprehensive overview of his contributions to the world.

Extensive Bibliography of Edison's Publications and Select Interviews

This book also includes an extensive bibliography of Edison's publications, which includes over 1,000 books, articles, and other publications. The bibliography is organized alphabetically by author and includes information about the publication's date, publisher, and other relevant details. The bibliography is a valuable resource for anyone interested in researching Edison's work or the history of invention. In addition to the bibliography, this book includes select interviews with Edison, which provide insights into his life and work. These interviews are conducted by experts in the field and provide a unique perspective on Edison's achievements and his impact on the world. The interviews are accompanied by photographs and other visual materials, making them a valuable addition to the book.

Modern, Contemporaneous, and Juvenile Biographies

This book also includes modern, contemporaneous, and juvenile biographies of Edison. These biographies provide a detailed account of Edison's life and work, and they are written by experts in the field. The biographies are organized chronologically, making it easy to follow Edison's career from his early days as a telegraph operator to his later years as a successful inventor and businessman. The biographies also include information about Edison's personal life, including his relationships, family, and hobbies. The biographies are a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Edison's life and work.

Subject Areas Related to Edison's Work and Influence

This book also includes thirteen subject areas related to Edison's work and influence. These subject areas include electricity, communication, transportation, manufacturing, and more. Each subject area includes a detailed overview of Edison's contributions to the field, as well as information about his competitors and other innovators. The subject areas are organized alphabetically, making it easy to find specific information about Edison's work in a particular area. The subject areas are a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Edison's work and its impact on the world.

Index

The index of this book is thoroughly cross-referenced to the chronological and encyclopedic entries, making it easy to find specific information about Edison's life and work. The index includes both author and subject indexes, making it easy to locate information about a particular topic or individual. The index is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to research Edison's life and work in detail.

Weight: 628g
Dimension: 186 x 263 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538134269