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More copies of this ISBN:This title in other formats:The Telephone Gambit: Chasing Alexander Graham Bell's Secretby Seth Shulman
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:A gripping intrigue at the heart of one of the world's most important inventions. While researching Alexander Graham Bell at MIT's Dibner Institute, Seth Shulman scrutinized Bell's journals and within them he found the smoking gun, a hint of deeply buried historical intrigue. Delving further, Shulman unearthed the surprising story behind the invention of the telephone: a tale of romance, corruption, and unchecked ambition. Bell furtively — and illegally — copied part of Elisha Gray's invention in the race to secure what would become the most valuable U.S. patent ever issued. And afterward, as Bell's device led to the world's largest monopoly, the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, he hid his invention's illicit beginnings. In The Telephone Gambit, Shulman challenges the reputation of an icon of invention, rocks the foundation of a corporate behemoth, and offers a probing meditation on how little we know about our own history. Review:"Absolutely by accident, I fell through a kind of historical trap door into a vexing intrigue' surrounding the invention of the telephone, writes science journalist Shulman (Undermining Science: Suppression and Distortion in the Bush Administration). The result is a dramatic probe into a shocking intellectual theft. In 2004, studying Alexander Graham Bell's laboratory notebook, he found a 12-day gap followed by a March 7, 1876, note, 'Returned from Washington,' and a striking shift in Bell's ideas that resulted in his famous 'telephone' call to Mr. Watson on March 10. The suspenseful details of 'Bell's life-altering visit' emerge as Shulman learns that electrical researcher Elisha Gray had filed a claim on a device to send 'vocal sounds telegraphically' on the same day Bell filed his patent application, February 14, nearly a month before Bell's notebook recorded his success. Bell, Shulman realized, had 'drawn an almost perfect replica of his competitor's invention in his own notebook.' The reader follows Shulman as he contacts curators, explores archives and unravels the mystery, leading to a remarkable re-creation of the 1876 Centennial Exposition, where a nervous Bell attempted to avoid demonstrating his telephone because he knew Elisha Gray would be present. Although much of this book involves comparisons of correspondence, documents and journals, the skillful, polished writing makes century-old events spring to life. 20 illus. (Jan. 7)" Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.) Review:"Does the right person always get credit for a great invention? Was Thomas Edison or the Englishman Joseph Swan responsible for the light bulb? Did Al Gore or some other geek invent the Internet? Did Alexander Graham Bell steal from Elisha Gray a key idea behind the telephone? Such questions can fuel debates between historians of technology and champions of neglected genius. Science... Washington Post Book Review (read the entire Washington Post review) Book News Annotation:From researching Bell's notebook, patent applications for the
telephone, and scholars' doubts, the Massachusetts science writer
debunks long-held views of the famous inventor. Shulman convincingly
makes a case for its invention by Elisha Gray, who initially
underestimated its commercial potential. The book is a Bell
biography-cum-tale of scientific/corporate intrigue with period
photos, illustrations pertaining to patents, and extensive references.
Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Review:"Part muckraking journalism, part detective story, and part science lesson, The Telephone Gambit is an engaging romp through the scientific world of the late 19th century with a cast of characters worthy of Dickens, including cutthroat capitalists, egotistical inventors, and awestruck assistants." Very Short List Synopsis:A gripping intrigue at the heart of one of the world"s most important inventions.
Synopsis:While researching Alexander Graham Bell at MIT"s Dibner Institute, Seth Shulman scrutinized Bell"s journals and within them he found the smoking gun, a hint of deeply buried historical intrigue. Delving further, Shulman unearthed the surprising story behind the invention of the telephone: a tale of romance, corruption, and unchecked ambition.Bell furtively'"and illegally'"copied part of Elisha Gray"s invention in the race to secure what would become the most valuable U.S. patent ever issued. And afterward, as Bell"s device led to the world"s largest monopoly, the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, he hid his invention"s illicit beginnings. In The Telephone Gambit, Shulman challenges the reputation of an icon of invention, rocks the foundation of a corporate behemoth, and offers a probing meditation on how little we know about our own history. Synopsis:Shulman challenges the reputation of an icon of invention, rocks the foundation of a corporate behemoth, and offers a probing meditation on how little Americans know about their own history. About the AuthorSeth Shulman is an author, editor, and journalist specializing in issues in science, technology, and the environment. His most recent books include Unlocking the Sky and Owning the Future. He lives in Northampton, Massachusetts. What Our Readers Are SayingBe the first to add a comment for a chance to win!Product Details
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