Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Modern Prometheus

A Gambling Man

Immigrants of Distinction

At the Court of Mr. Edison

The War of the Currents Begins

Order of the Flaming Sword

Radio

High Society

High Road, Low Road

An Error of Judgment

To Mars

Robots

Hurler of Lightning

Blackout at Colorado Springs

Magnificent and Doomed

Ridiculed, Condemned, Combatted

The Great Radio Controversy

Midstream Perils

The Nobel Affair

Flying Stove

Radar

The Guest of Honor

Pigeons

Transitions

The Birthday Parties

Corks on Water

Cosmic Communion

Death and Transfiguration

The Missing Papers

The Legacy

Bibliographical Essay

Reference Notes

Postscript

Index

About the Author

Margaret Cheney is a biographer of unusual versatility. In addition to her two major studies of Tesla (most recently Tesla: Master of Lightning, with Robert Uth), she has written Midnight at Mabel's, a biography of the great cabaret singer and song stylist Mabel Mercer. Cheney is also the author of Meanwhile Farm and Why: The Serial Killer in America. She lives in California.

Reviews

Discover A dramatic and poignant portrait.

American Scientist Excellent...a significant contribution to the recent history of science...informative and delightful to read.

Publishers Weekly Well documented, sympathetic, and engaging.

Choice Cheney's excellent biography of one of the most idiosyncratic and truly enigmatic "scientists" is both comprehensive and well written...very warmly recommended.

The Sunday Times, London Uncommonly colorful...absorbing.

Table of Contents

About the Author

Reviews