Wizard: The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla: Biography of a Genius

"The story of one of the most prolific, independent, and iconoclastic inventors of this century . . . fascinating."--Scientific American Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), credited as the inspiration for radio, robots, and even radar, has been called the patron saint of modern electricity. Based on original material and previously unavailable documents, this acclaimed book is the definitive biography of the man considered by many to be the founding father of modern electrical technology. Among Tesla's creations were the channeling of alternating current, fluorescent and neon lighting, wireless telegraphy, and the giant turbines that harnessed the power of Niagara Falls. This essential biography is illustrated with sixteen pages of photographs, including the July 20, 1931, Time magazine cover for an issue celebrating the inventor's career. "Wizard is a truly remarkable biography of a remarkable man. The expression 'ahead of his time' is used too loosely and too often today but in the case of Nikola Tesla 'ahead of his time' barely describes the genius of this man. Marc Seifer makes us understand not only the man but the times in which he lived."--Nelson DeMille "A deep and comprehensive biography of a great engineer of early electrical science--likely to become the definitive biography. Highly recommended."--American Association for the Advancement of Science "Vivid, revelatory . . . the fullest account yet of Tesla as an entrepreneur, experimental physicist and inventor."--Publishers Weekly