'The most important invention of the Industrial Revolution was invention itself.' Those words are at the heart of this remarkable book. The Most Powerful Idea in the World is more than a stunning history of the Industrial Revolution and the steam engine at its core. It is an amazing account of how inventors first came to own and profit from their ideas-and how invention itself springs forth from logic and imagination. Rocket. It was the fortuitously-named train that inaugurated steam locomotion in 1829, jump-starting two ...
Read More
'The most important invention of the Industrial Revolution was invention itself.' Those words are at the heart of this remarkable book. The Most Powerful Idea in the World is more than a stunning history of the Industrial Revolution and the steam engine at its core. It is an amazing account of how inventors first came to own and profit from their ideas-and how invention itself springs forth from logic and imagination. Rocket. It was the fortuitously-named train that inaugurated steam locomotion in 1829, jump-starting two centuries of mass transportation. As William Rosen reveals, it was the product of centuries of scientific and industrial discovery. From inventor Heron of Alexandria in 60 AD to James Watt, the physicist whose 'separate condenser' was central to the development of steam power, to businessman Matthew Boulton, who envisioned whole factories powered with Watt's engines-all those who made possible the long ride towards the Industrial Revolution are brought to unforgettable life. But crucial to their contributions are other characters whose concepts allowed their inventions to flourish: John Locke, who conceived of what we now know as 'intellectual property', and Edward Coke, whose work led to the patent system that, as Abraham Lincoln said, 'added the fuel of interest to the fire of genius'. Along the way, Rosen takes us deep into the human mind, explaining, for example, how 'eureka' moments occur-when the brain is most relaxed. Astonishingly erudite yet completely accessible, this is a superb and inspiring work about the experiments and accomplishments that led to a revolution, the effects of which still power and plague us today.
Read Less
Add this copy of The Most Powerful Idea in the World: a Story of Steam, to cart. $1.67, fair condition, Sold by ZBK Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Woodland Park, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by University of Chicago Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. May contain writing notes highlighting bends or folds. Text is readable book is clean and pages and cover mostly intact. May show normal wear and tear. Item may be missing CD. May include library marks. Fast Shipping.
Add this copy of The Most Powerful Idea in the World: a Story of Steam, to cart. $2.64, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by University of Chicago Press.
Add this copy of The Most Powerful Idea in the World: a Story of Steam, to cart. $2.76, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Random House.
Add this copy of The Most Powerful Idea in the World: a Story of Steam, to cart. $2.77, good condition, Sold by Zoom Books Company rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lynden, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Random House.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Book is in good condition and may contain underlining or highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include library labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys dvds etc. We offer 100% money back guarantee and fast customer support.
Add this copy of The Most Powerful Idea in the World: a Story of Steam, to cart. $2.95, good condition, Sold by Project HOME rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Philadelphia, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by University of Chicago Press.
Add this copy of The Most Powerful Idea in the World: a Story of Steam, to cart. $4.24, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by University Of Chicago Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Most Powerful Idea in the World: a Story of Steam, to cart. $4.24, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by University Of Chicago Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Most Powerful Idea in the World: a Story of Steam, to cart. $4.35, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillsboro, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Random House.
Add this copy of The Most Powerful Idea in the World: a Story of Steam, to cart. $5.00, good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Random House.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Most Powerful Idea in the World: a Story of Steam, to cart. $5.25, fair condition, Sold by BooksRun rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Philadelphia, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by University of Chicago Press.
