"Lighting up the Night: The Edison Biography" is a detailed biography written by Pulitzer Prize winner Edmund Morris after seven years of research and creation. It vividly depicts the legendary life of Thomas Edison. This book is not only a praise of Edison's inventions, but also a profound exploration of his complex personality and life. Morris successfully portrays a real Edison through rich primary materials and delicate strokes.
Introduction#
Thomas Edison, known as the "King of Invention," changed the face of the world. His inventions not only promoted technological progress, but also profoundly influenced the way of life of humanity. However, stories about Edison are often filled with myths and misunderstandings. In 《Lighting up the Night: The Edison Biography》, Edmund Morris reveals a real Edison through detailed information and vivid narration.
Early Life#
The book provides a detailed introduction to Edison's family background and educational experiences. He was born into an ordinary family and dropped out of school early due to hearing impairment, but this did not stop his passion for science and invention. Morris portrays Edison's various attempts and failures during his youth, laying the foundation for his future success.
The Electrical Revolution#
Edison's most well-known achievement is his contribution to the field of electricity. He invented the incandescent light bulb and established the world's first large-scale power plant, ushering in the electrical revolution. The book describes in detail his role in the battle between direct current and alternating current, showcasing his wisdom and determination as an entrepreneur.
Important Inventions#
In addition to the light bulb, Edison made important inventions in fields such as motion pictures and phonographs. Through vivid narration, Morris leads readers into Edison's laboratory, witnessing how he turned his ingenious ideas into reality. These inventions not only changed the entertainment industry, but also profoundly influenced the development of modern technology.
Later Life#
Edison's later life was also filled with challenges and controversies. The book explores his life after retirement, health issues, and his continued impact on technology and business. Morris portrays a passionate and creative Edison in his later years with delicate strokes.
Conclusion#
《Lighting up the Night: The Edison Biography》 is not only a book about inventions and technology, but also a book about humanity. Morris successfully portrays a real Edison, dispelling many misconceptions and myths about him. For any reader interested in the history of technology and human progress, this book is undoubtedly a must-read.
This book not only allows us to see Edison's great achievements, but also helps us understand the complexity and diversity of him as an ordinary person. Through this book, we can not only better understand Edison's inventions, but also draw inspiration from them, motivating us to constantly explore and innovate in our own fields.