Books Like...
Empires of Light: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify the World by Jill Jonnes is a fascinating historical account chronicling the early days of electricity and the key players involved in its development. The book delves into the competition and innovation sparked by Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and George Westinghouse as they vied to electrify the world. Written in a light and engaging style, the narrative provides insights into the personal and professional lives of these pioneers, their differing approaches to electricity, and the impact of their inventions on society.
If you liked Empires of Light: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify the World, here are the top 22 books to read next:
'The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World' by Simon Winchester explores the history of precision engineering and its impact on shaping the modern world. Winchester delves into the development of precision in various fields, from manufacturing techniques to scientific advancements, showcasing the importance of accuracy and measurement in technological progress. Through engaging narratives and detailed accounts of influential engineers and inventions, the book highlights the evolution of precision engineering and its crucial role in revolutionizing industries and technologies.
The man who by the common consent of the engineering fraternity is regarded as the father of true precision was an eighteenth-century Englishman named John Wilkinson, who was denounced sardonically as...- #2
Save:'Space Race: The Epic Battle Between America and the Soviet Union for Dominion of Space' by Deborah Cadbury is a detailed and well-written account of the historic space race. It covers the history, engineering, and politics of the era, providing previously unknown information about the struggle between the two superpowers. The author brings to life key figures like Von Braun and Korolev, describing their sacrifices and obstacles in achieving technological advancements. The narrative keeps the reader enthralled, showcasing the frailty and circumstances of these prominent historical figures.
takes readers on a journey from WWII to the '69 moon landing, offering a quick and entertaining read packed with information. It successfully captures the essence of the space programs, focusing on the political and technological aspects that drove the competition. While some dramatic liberties are taken, they serve to bring the story back to a human perspective, reminding readers of the incredible feats achieved against all odds.
In the mid-winter of 1945, the war in Europe had reached its final stages. Germany was crumbling under continued heavy Allied bombing. Cities were being obliterated, magnificent buildings returned to ... - #3
Save:'The Mercury 13' by Martha Ackmann is an enlightening and inspiring account of the Mercury 13 program, where thirteen highly qualified female pilots underwent rigorous testing to become astronauts in the 1960s. The book highlights the courage, determination, and strength of these women as they fought against institutional sexism and societal norms to pursue their dreams of space exploration. Ackmann skillfully details the challenges faced by the Mercury 13 candidates, shedding light on their achievements and struggles in a male-dominated field.
JERRIE COBB REACHED DOWN AND PULLED THE HEAVY LAYERS OF arctic clothing over her navy blue linen dress. Already the temperature on the airport tarmac that afternoon in June 1957 was a steamy ninety de... - #4
Save:Infinitesimal: How a Dangerous Mathematical Theory Shaped the Modern World by Amir Alexander delves into the historical dispute between mathematicians like Newton and Liebnitz over the invention of calculus, highlighting the religious, political, and social implications of this mathematical battle. The book provides a detailed account of the 16th and 17th-century Europe, where the clash between rationalists and empiricists, reactionaries and modernists, played out amidst power struggles, religious fervors, and contests of ideas. Through vivid storytelling, Alexander explores the impact of infinitesimals on society, revealing how the tiny mathematical concept had the potential to invite tragedy and triumph upon those who dared to explore its applications.
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Save:A Man on the Moon by Andrew Chaikin is an in-depth exploration of the Apollo program, focusing on the adventurous and talented astronauts involved. The book provides detailed accounts of the missions, intertwining personal recollections from those involved, including astronauts, engineers, and flight controllers, to paint a vivid picture of the tremendous effort and risks taken to achieve mankind's first explorations of another world.
When the moon rises beyond the Atlantic shore of Florida, full and luminous, it seems so close that you could just row out to the end of the water and touch it. In January 1967, the moon seemed to dra... - #6
Save:Stuff Matters: The Strange Stories of the Marvellous Materials that Shape Our Man-made World by Mark Miodownik is a book that explores the fascinating world of materials science through everyday objects like steel, concrete, glass, chocolate, and more. The author, a materials scientist, presents scientific discoveries and concepts in a style that is engaging and accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Each chapter delves into the history, composition, and applications of different materials, providing a mix of memoir and scientific explanations.
The book combines personal anecdotes with hard-core science to offer readers a unique perspective on the materials that surround us in our daily lives. Mark Miodownik's conversational writing style and light-hearted approach make complex scientific topics easy to understand, making this book a delightful and informative read for anyone curious about the materials that shape our world.
In the absence of copper, gold, and meteoric iron, our ancestors’ tools during the Stone Age were made of flint, wood, and bone. Anyone who has ever tried to make anything with these kinds of tools kn... Lost Moon: The Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13 by Jim Lovell is a gripping and detailed account of the almost disastrous Apollo 13 mission. Written by the mission commander himself, the book narrates the harrowing journey of the astronauts onboard the spacecraft, highlighting the technical challenges faced during the mission. Readers praised the book for its authenticity, focusing on the astronauts, the events at NASA, and specifically on Jim Lovell's experiences, including the catastrophic Apollo 13 incident. The book provides a deeper insight into the space program, showcasing the heroism displayed both in space and on the ground during a moment of great challenge and danger.
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Save:'The Periodic Table' by Primo Levi is a unique and thought-provoking memoir that uses the elements of the Periodic Table as a framework to narrate stories from the author's life, including his experiences as a chemist, surviving Auschwitz, and growing up Jewish in Fascist Italy. Each chapter is named after a different chemical element and explores a memory or anecdote related to that element, blending autobiography with elements of fiction.
There are the so-called inert gases in the air we breathe. They bear curious Greek names of erudite derivation which mean “the New,” “the Hidden,” “the Inactive,” and “the Alien.” They are indeed so i... 'The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human' by Siddhartha Mukherjee takes readers on a historical and enlightening journey through the evolution of medicine, from early myths to recent advancements in medical science. Through his signature clarity and engaging storytelling, Mukherjee unravels the secrets within our cells and explores the profound implications for medicine, offering a glimpse into a future where medicine could be radically different and more effective. The author's ability to bridge scientific research with storytelling, using analogies and vivid descriptions, makes complex scientific concepts accessible to a diverse audience, creating a compelling narrative that is both educational and inspiring.
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Save:'The Violinist's Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code' by Sam Kean is a fascinating exploration of DNA and genetics, told through anecdotes and stories of scientists, musicians, and historical figures. Kean's writing style is humorous, accessible, and engaging, making complex scientific concepts easy to understand for readers with varying levels of background knowledge in biology. covers a wide range of topics, from the historical development of genetics to the impact of genes on human behavior and evolution, all while weaving in entertaining stories that bring the subject to life.
Mendel and Miescher began their work at a time when folk theories—some uproarious or bizarre, some quite ingenious, in their way—dominated most people’s thinking about heredity, and for centuries thes...
