Who Was Nikola Tesla
When someone says they have great respect for one of the greatest engineers, futurists and innovators (perhaps ever), Nikola Tesla, that among their books they have his, let’s say, “autobiography” (“My Inventions”), a seriously written biography (“Tesla: Inventor of the Modern Age”), and even a book by a domestic author about Tesla and aliens (!!??)… you can’t help but wonder what’s going through that person’s head that the first review about Tesla would be a little book that could almost pass as a children’s book (“Which it is, to your regret…” – note from subconscious)… and on top of that it was on sale…
However, the little book “Who Was Nikola Tesla” by Jim Gigliotti, besides being a “New York Times” bestseller, also belongs to some “WhoHQ book” edition that deals with (short) biographies of famous personalities and events.
This little book (smaller format, with larger letters) tries in about 100 pages to bring us Nikola Tesla’s life, as they say, “from cradle to grave.”
And I think it succeeded quite nicely.
“Who Was Nikola Tesla” covers in an accelerated but simple course, his growing up in Smiljan and Gospić, studying in Graz, coming to the USA and the initial period of struggling to survive, dizzying rise and wealth, “war of currents” with Edison, collaboration with Westinghouse, all the way to Tesla’s withdrawal from public life and obsession with visions of some future devices and tools, which the world wasn’t ready to understand (and for some ideas it seems even in this modern period we’re still not ready).
All of the above is interspersed with anecdotes from Tesla’s life, as well as descriptions of some historical figures and locations, without much burden of dates (at the end of the book you have parallel chronologies of Nikola Tesla’s life and historical events in the world).
One of the more pleasant details of the little book “Who Was Nikola Tesla” are definitely the black and white illustrations (which look like they were done with some dark pencil or ink).
Occasionally you’ll encounter (simplified) definitions of some general terms (which will better explain some things related to Tesla and his work).
Despite the small format (in every sense), this little book reads incredibly easily and quickly.
“Who Was Nikola Tesla” is a little book primarily intended for the younger population and represents an excellent (and simplified) introduction to the story of who Nikola Tesla was. Given the size and quality of production (and drawings), it’s an ideal gift (if you know some child who still loves to read :D), for a slightly older population who need an idea for an essay/seminar paper… and for old folks to secretly read a quick reminder about Tesla’s life and his achievements (purely for a bit of general culture… and to preserve a bit of dignity ^^).
I didn’t notice any historical-factual errors during reading… hopefully… 😀
And you, dear reader, how much do you remember details from Nikola Tesla’s life? 🙂
Book price: Vulkan
