Reviews for Power Makers: Steam, Electricity, and the Men Who Invented Modern America

The average rating for Power Makers: Steam, Electricity, and the Men Who Invented Modern America based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-02-16 00:00:00 Erik Dietz This was an unexpected but highly informative detour on my trip through the late 19th century, brought on by a recently-read Edison biography. This period was full of innovation in general, and in no other area was this more prevalent than in power creation and distribution. Many of the familiar names are present - Edison, Westinghouse, Tesla, et al - but many lesser-known but equally important inventors and entrepreneurs are chronicled, from the early days of steam engines to the evolution of electricity as a major power source. Sam Insull (distribution systems) and Arthur Wright (metered usage and tiered pricing) are examples of virtually unknown innovators who helped develop our current electrical system in the U.S. At times, it was tough to stay focused during the more technical parts of the book. Electricity, mechanical engineering, and such aren't my things, but in fairness, this wouldn't typically be a distraction for those who are so inclined. My preference was for the overall progression and evolution related to the social and financial impacts.

Review # 2 was written on 2020-03-05 00:00:00 Howard Mims Hands-down the best, most engaging, history of the development of steam power and electricity generation one can imagine. I've read biographies of Watt, Edison, and Tesla, along with many other energy books, but this one pulls all the threads together to show how the technologies for producing, distributing, and making use of electricity aligned and made possible our modern electrical grid.