Synopses & Reviews
Without Boulton, James Watt would probably have failed to bring his steam engine to market. By the time of their partnership Boulton was already a successful industrialist manufacturing a range of silver and plated goods, buttons and buckles and the sort of knicknackery known in the 18th century as "toys." He had a business network throughout continental Europe with traveling agents who represented his various interests. In due course they were asked to represent the engine business, particularly at court and to governments. Boulton built an elegant architect-designed factory outside Birmingham and had a wide range of business and social contacts. He was urbane and sociable, enjoying entertaining at his home and showing visitors around his Soho Manufactory. He was a founder member of the Lunar Society and became a fellow of the Royal Society. A devoted husband and father (he married twice, the second time sailing near the wind by marrying his late wifes sister).
Synopsis
Matthew Boulton, of the famous Boulton & Watt steam engine partnership, was an eighteenth-century designer and inventor. Before he partnered up with James Watt he was a successful industrialist manufacturing a range of silver and plated goods, buttons and buckles, and the sort of knickknackery known at the time as 'toys'. He had a business network throughout continental Europe with travelling agents who represented his various interests. Without his commercial skills, Watt would probably have failed to bring his steam engine to market, but in due course Boulton started the process that would revolutionise the world of industry and transport: the engine was exported all over the world. Boulton was an affable man who enjoyed company and creative conversation. He was also a founder member of the Lunar Society and became a fellow of the Royal Society. This exciting new book, the first full-length biography of Matthew Boulton since H.W. Dickinson's excellent publication in 1937, is the culmination of twenty years' original research and brings to life one of the most colourful characters of the Industrial Revolution.
About the Author
JENNIFER TANN is the former Dean of Education and Director of Research at Birmingham University Business School. She has published 5 books and numerous articles on the history of industry and technology. She currently chairs the Stroudwater Textile Trust. Jenny lives in Chalford, Stroud. ANTHONY BURTON is a professional writer specialising in industrial and transport history. He has written a number of biographies and has been involved in radio and television as writer/presenter and historical adviser, most recently for Discovery programmes. He has appeared as an expert in Men of Iron, Big, Bigger, Biggest (both Channel 4) and Coast (BBC2).