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Synopsis
'The most important invention of the Industrial Revolution was invention itself.' Those words are at the heart of this remarkable book. The Most Powerful Idea in the World is more than a stunning history of the Industrial Revolution and the steam engine at its core. It is an amazing account of how inventors first came to own and profit from their ideas-and how invention itself springs forth from logic and imagination.
Rocket. It was the fortuitously-named train that inaugurated steam locomotion in 1829, jump-starting two centuries of mass transportation. As William Rosen reveals, it was the product of centuries of scientific and industrial discovery. From inventor Heron of Alexandria in 60 AD to James Watt, the physicist whose 'separate condenser' was central to the development of steam power, to businessman Matthew Boulton, who envisioned whole factories powered with Watt's engines-all those who made possible the long ride towards the Industrial Revolution are brought to unforgettable life.
But crucial to their contributions are other characters whose concepts allowed their inventions to flourish: John Locke, who conceived of what we now know as 'intellectual property', and Edward Coke, whose work led to the patent system that, as Abraham Lincoln said, 'added the fuel of interest to the fire of genius'. Along the way, Rosen takes us deep into the human mind, explaining, for example, how 'eureka' moments occur-when the brain is most relaxed.
Astonishingly erudite yet completely accessible, this is a superb and inspiring work about the experiments and accomplishments that led to a revolution, the effects of which still power and plague us today.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review
`Rosen is skilled at hooking small, local phenomena into a narrative of global sweep and significance'
--The Guardian
`Rosen is skilled at hooking small, local phenomena into a narrative of global sweep and significance' -- The Guardian --The Guardian
"This book runs along a new track like - well, like a Rocket" --The Times
"Its scope and lively intelligence make it the best kind of popular account." --Financial Times
`An enjoyable read... Mr Rosen makes a powerful case'
-- The Economist
Book Description
An enthralling and accessible history of the invention which transformed the world: steam power
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherJonathan Cape
- Publication date2010
- ISBN 10 0224082256
- ISBN 13 9780224082259
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages400
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The Most Powerful Idea in the World: A Story of Steam, Industry and Invention
Published by
Vintage Publishing, United Kingdom, London, 2010
ISBN 10: 0224082256
ISBN 13: 9780224082259
Used
Paperback
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. 'The most important invention of the Industrial Revolution was invention itself.' Those words are at the heart of this remarkable book. The Most Powerful Idea in the World is more than a stunning history of the Industrial Revolution and the steam engine at its core. It is an amazing account of how inventors first came to own and profit from their ideas-and how invention itself springs forth from logic and imagination. Rocket. It was the fortuitously-named train that inaugurated steam locomotion in 1829, jump-starting two centuries of mass transportation. As William Rosen reveals, it was the product of centuries of scientific and industrial discovery. From inventor Heron of Alexandria in 60 AD to James Watt, the physicist whose 'separate condenser' was central to the development of steam power, to businessman Matthew Boulton, who envisioned whole factories powered with Watt's engines-all those who made possible the long ride towards the Industrial Revolution are brought to unforgettable life. But crucial to their contributions are other characters whose concepts allowed their inventions to flourish: John Locke, who conceived of what we now know as 'intellectual property', and Edward Coke, whose work led to the patent system that, as Abraham Lincoln said, 'added the fuel of interest to the fire of genius'. Along the way, Rosen takes us deep into the human mind, explaining, for example, how 'eureka' moments occur-when the brain is most relaxed. Astonishingly erudite yet completely accessible, this is a superb and inspiring work about the experiments and accomplishments that led to a revolution, the effects of which still power and plague us today. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR003297811
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The Most Powerful Idea in the World : A Story of Steam, Industry, and Invention
Published by
Penguin Random House, 2010
ISBN 10: 0224082256
ISBN 13: 9780224082259
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The Most Powerful Idea in the World: A Story of Steam, Industry and Invention
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Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. Dust Jacket in good condition. Seller Inventory # 8728700
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The Most Powerful Idea in the World: A Story of Steam, Industry and Invention
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
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Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Seller Inventory # 9859318
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The Most Powerful Idea in the World:; A Story of Steam, Industry, & Invention [HC,2010]
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NewYork:RandomHouse,2010, 2010
ISBN 10: 0224082256
ISBN 13: 9780224082259
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Condition: Used - Very Good. 2010. Hardcover. Cloth, d.j. Some shelf-wear. Else clean copy. Very Good. Seller Inventory # SON000034613
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The Most Powerful Idea in the World: A Story of Steam, Industry and Invention
Seller: Syber's Books, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Reprint. List of illustrations, acknowledgements, notes and index. Black coloured end pages. The text is illustrated with the occasional black-and-white illustration. Black coloured boards with silver coloured titles to the back strip. Photographic dustwrapper (wraparound) with black and dark brown coloured titles to the front panel and back strip. Black and white photograph of author to the rear fold over panel. Quoting the front fold over panel blurb " . The most important invention of the Industrial Revolution was invention itself." Those words are at the heart of this remarkable book. The Most Powerful Idea in the World is more than a stunning history of the Industrial revolution and the steam engine at its call. It is an amazing account of how inventors first came to their own and profit from their ideas â" and how invention itself springs for from logic and imagination." Minor rubbing of the book edges with bumping along the top book edge and of the top book corners. Minor age toning of the text block edges and pages. 's a little creasing of the top dustwrapper edge with rubbing of the panels and a few handling marks are also present. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. 370, [4] pages, Please refer to accompanying picture (s). Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilo. Category: Engineering, Industrial, Trade; ISBN: 0224082256. ISBN/EAN: 9780224082259. Inventory No: 50005. Seller Inventory # 50005
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THE MOST POWERFUL IDEA IN THE WORLD
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. 0224082256. with dustjacket, 2010 bright clean copy. Seller Inventory # 139805
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The Most Powerful Idea in the World
Published by
Jonathan Cape, London, 2010
ISBN 10: 0224082256
ISBN 13: 9780224082259
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Adelaide Booksellers, Clarence Gardens, SA, Australia
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Hardback. 1st Edition, Later Printing. Large octavo size [16x24cm approx]. Very Good condition in Very Good Dustjacket. DJ protected in our clear archival purpose-made plastic sleeve. A nice copy. Illustrated with Black and White Photographs. Robust, professional packaging and tracking provided for all parcels. 370 pages. A story of steam, industry, and invention. Seller Inventory # 324111
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THE MOST POWERFUL IDEA IN THE WORLD
Published by
JONATHAN CAPE, LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN, 2010
ISBN 10: 0224082256
ISBN 13: 9780224082259
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Soft cover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. * PUBLISHER: JONATHAN CAPE YEAR:2010 * ISBN/SBN: 9780224082259 * No OF PAGES: 353 * CONDITION: USED - GOOD *OTHER: *PROOF* THE COVER IS RUBBED AND CREASED WITH A RING STAIN TO THE FRONT AND A STICKER PULL TO THE REAR. THE CORNERS AND EDGES ARE BUMPED. THE SPINE IS SLIGHTLY RUBBED WITH MILD BUMPING AT BOTH ENDS. THE BINDING IS FIRM. TO THE TOP OF THE FFEP ARE PENNED WRITTEN DATES. THERE ARE SMALL STAINS ALONG THE FOR-EDGE IN PLACES. THE PAGES ARE CLEAR AND CRISP. THE PAGES ARE GENERALLY CLEAN AND CREASE FREE. THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF AN INTERESTING BOOK. Seller Inventory # 13.09.2023/DT/569/DT26/RCPG23-8-23
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The Most Powerful Idea in the World
Published by
Jonathan Cape, 2010
ISBN 10: 0224082256
ISBN 13: 9780224082259
Used
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First Edition
Seller: Strawberry Hill Books, Rotherfield, East Sussex, United Kingdom
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Hardcover. Condition: As New. Dust Jacket Condition: As New. 1st Edition. ppXXV, 370. Third printing. An unread book. Seller Inventory # 040669
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