Edison, His Life and Inventions by Frank Lewis Dyer and Thomas Commerford Martin

One of the most prolific and multi-talented geniuses the world has ever seen, Thomas Alva Edison’s life is indeed an inspiration for each new generation. Today we live in a world that would not have been possible if not for several of his important inventions – the electric light bulb, the motion picture camera, electric power distribution, the phonograph, and a host of other things that we take for granted today. In fact, he still holds the world record for the maximum number of patents, numbering 1093 in all! Edison – His Life and Inventions by Frank Lewis Dyer and Thomas Commerford Martin, published in 1910 was in fact a biography commissioned by Edison himself. Dyer was a patent attorney who worked for Edison, while Commerford was a technical magazine editor who published many of Edison’s papers. There is consequently a great deal of focus on the technical aspects of his inventions and not so much on his personality and nature. However, as a chronological account of his life, the biography does full justice to its title. This brilliant scientist, businessman and inventor had in fact, practically no formal education. He actually went to school only for three months in his life. His mother provided support and motivation for the hearing-impaired child, who taught himself to read and discovered his love for science by reading books like Parker’s The School of Natural Philosophy, etc. A notable feature of the book is that it was written in Edison’s own lifetime and hence captures the feel of being very contemporary. There are many anecdotes and stories which the great man himself has contributed or has directly conveyed to the authors, hence the flavor is very authentic and realistic and conveys the excitement and thrill of the life and times of this master inventor. A great inspiration for all ages!