Here is a colorful account of America's greatest inventor, who was also one of America's most rugged individualists. Simply and clearly the author explains Edison's contributions to the electric light, the telephone, the phonograph, the electric locomotive, radio broadcasting, motion pictures, and many other aspects of our modern, electrified world.

"Although Edison literally changed the world," says Margaret Cousins in the Author's Note, "he remained the same human being—modest, stubborn, excitable and always full of fun. We take many of his legacies to us for granted, but few people have contributed more to the comfort, convenience and sheer entertainment in our lives."

From the book