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Wizard

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

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Wizard

Written by: Marc J. Seifer
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
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Summary

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.

©1996 Marc J. Seifer (P)2011 Tantor Historical History & Culture Physics Professionals & Academics Science Science & Technology Technology Biography War
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What the critics say

"Seifer's vivid, revelatory, exhaustively researched biography rescues pioneer inventor Nikola Tesla from cult status and restores him to his rightful place as a principal architect of the modern age." ( Publishers Weekly)
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This is a VERY comprehensive account of Tesla's life including the people and events that influenced it - perhaps a little too comprehensive at times. That aside, what an amazing story about an underrated genius on par, as far as true invention and impact on society is concerned, with Da Vinci and Newton, who was so tragically stifled by key individuals, events and frankly himself. Strange and sad how most people know so little about his contributions. He was so far ahead of everyone else in his field that it seems no one understood him enough at the time to realize the true genius of his discoveries.

Comprehensive and fascinating

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I researched a lot about Nikola Tesla's lifes work before this book and it still had quite a lot of information that I didn't know beforehand!

I liked the meticulous attention of the author in finding the little details that connected the bigger picture, as well as expanding upon areas of interest to help with the background needed too understand the whole story.

As well as the story and information presented the voice is good too, changing for various figures in the story so your never left confused as to who is talking.

Eye Opening

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Graphologist (handwriting expert) & Author Marc J. Seifer mines 1000s of letters written by Nikola Tesla & satellites to enrich his meticulously-researched exploration of the life of a near-mythical scientific genius from the late-19th/early-20th Century. The subject is endlessly fascinating, Seifer's vocabulary/prose is capable, and the strict chronological structure works very well in elucidating the man's life.
Unfortunately, Seifer includes so much context (including involved commentary on each and every conceivable element discussed) that the book becomes verbose (the Medieval History of Serbia, for example, has little to do with the inventor's struggles & accomplishments).

Fortuitously for audiobook afficianados, reader Simon Prebble does his very best to elevate the book with a surprisingly interested narration performance. He would have been forgiven if he had sounded bored - much of this book is legitimately yawn-inducing - but rather injects emotion into the recording (including spot-on accents for the various letter excerpts, for example). If given the choice between this audiobook iteration and a text version of the book, choose this one hands-down.

Altogether, 'Wizard' is far too long and reaches too far. It rates a disappointing 4/10-stars. You should keep browsing (even if it remains in the 'Plus' catalog).

Overly Involved. Pass.

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