Tesla: Inventor of the Modern

Tesla: Inventor of the Modern cover
Good Books rating 3.77
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  • ID: 6702
  • Added: 2025-11-27
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780393358049
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2019-10-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Nikola Tesla's inventions, from the radio to robots and remote control, have profoundly impacted our world. His electric induction motors power our appliances and factories, yet his contributions have often been overlooked by history. Richard Munson presents a comprehensive portrait of this farsighted inventor, exploring his personal life, mental habits, and the enigmatic nature of his genius. Tesla's breakthroughs, such as alternating current, revolutionized the electric grid, but his lack of business acumen prevented him from fully capitalizing on his success. His most advanced ideas, like cell phones and the Internet, went unrecognized for decades. Despite his later years of poverty, Tesla never stopped imagining and designing innovative technologies that continue to shape the modern economy./n/nTesla's story is a testament to the power of invention driven by a passion for progress rather than profit. Born during a lightning storm at midnight, Tesla was a strikingly handsome, multilingual polymath who could recite entire books from memory. His inventions were often conceived through a blend of humanities and sciences, such as the induction motor inspired by Goethe's Faust. Tesla's visionary work aimed to provide electric power to the world, introduce automatons to reduce drudgery, and develop machines to abolish war. This clear, authoritative biography captures all phases of Tesla's remarkable life, highlighting his enduring legacy in technology and innovation.

Reviews
Chick Who Reads Everything · Chick Who Reads Everything · 2020-04-13
informative 3.50

This biography of Nikola Tesla is well-researched but can be dry at times. It effectively captures the essence of Tesla's life and contributions.

The reviewer found Tesla: Inventor of the Modern to be a comprehensive and well-researched biography. They appreciated the depth of the research, which provides a detailed look into Tesla's life and inventions. However, they noted that the writing can sometimes be dry and mundane, which might make it less engaging for some readers. Overall, they believe the book does a good job of capturing the genius and complexity of Tesla, making it a valuable read for those interested in his life and work.


Quick quotes

    Although the research can be a bit mundane and dry at times, it is a fabulous biography of Nikola Tesla.

    Munson effectively reveals both in a fast-paced, but fact-filled narrative.

    What a fascinating genius! What a dramatic life!

HistoryNet · HistoryNet · 2019-08-02
engaging 4.00

Richard Munson recounts the life of Tesla, highlighting his pioneering work that transformed the twentieth century. The audiobook is praised for its engaging narrative.

HistoryNet's review of the audiobook version of Tesla: Inventor of the Modern emphasizes its engaging narrative and the depth of Richard Munson's recounting of Tesla's life. The reviewer appreciates how the book brings to life the idiosyncratic genius of Tesla and his pioneering work, which had a profound impact on the twentieth century. They found the audiobook to be particularly effective in capturing the drama and complexity of Tesla's life, making it an enjoyable listen for history and technology enthusiasts.


Quick quotes

    Richard Munson recounts the life of this idiosyncratic genius inventor whose pioneering work transformed the twentieth century.

    The audiobook is praised for its engaging narrative.

    An enjoyable listen for history and technology enthusiasts.

Goodreads · Goodreads Community · 2018-05-22
inspirational 3.80

Tesla's inventions transformed our world, and his visions have continued to inspire. The book is highly rated by the community.

The Goodreads community has given Tesla: Inventor of the Modern a high rating, reflecting its positive reception. Reviewers appreciate how the book highlights Tesla's groundbreaking inventions and their impact on the modern world. They also value the insights into Tesla's visionary ideas, which continue to inspire innovation. The community's consensus is that this biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of technology and the life of one of its most influential figures.


Quick quotes

    Tesla's inventions transformed our world, and his visions have continued to inspire.

    This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of technology.

    A highly rated biography that captures the essence of Tesla's genius.

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