NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A world of invention and skulduggery, populated by the likes of Edison, Westinghouse, and Tesla.”—Erik Larson “A model of superior historical fiction . . . an exciting, sometimes astonishing story.”—The Washington Post From Graham Moore, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of The Imitation Game and New York Times bestselling author of The Sherlockian, comes a … New York Times bestselling author of The Sherlockian, comes a thrilling novel—based on actual events—about the nature of genius, the cost of ambition, and the battle to electrify America.
New York, 1888. Gas lamps still flicker in the city streets, but the miracle of electric light is in its infancy. The person who controls the means to turn night into day will make history—and a vast fortune. A young untested lawyer named Paul Cravath, fresh out of Columbia Law School, takes a case that seems impossible to win. Paul’s client, George Westinghouse, has been sued by Thomas Edison over a billion-dollar question: Who invented the light bulb and holds the right to power the country?
The case affords Paul entry to the heady world of high society—the glittering parties in Gramercy Park mansions, and the more insidious dealings done behind closed doors. The task facing him is beyond daunting. Edison is a wily, dangerous opponent with vast resources at his disposal—private spies, newspapers in his pocket, and the backing of J. P. Morgan himself. Yet this unknown lawyer shares with his famous adversary a compulsion to win at all costs. How will he do it?
In obsessive pursuit of victory, Paul crosses paths with Nikola Tesla, an eccentric, brilliant inventor who may hold the key to defeating Edison, and with Agnes Huntington, a beautiful opera singer who proves to be a flawless performer on stage and off. As Paul takes greater and greater risks, he’ll find that everyone in his path is playing their own game, and no one is quite who they seem.
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST AND THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
“A satisfying romp . . . Takes place against a backdrop rich with period detail . . . Works wonderfully as an entertainment . . . As it charges forward, the novel leaves no dot unconnected.”—Noah Hawley, The New York Times Book Review
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It is a very informative and well researched book. I did not like a very detailed description of the electrocution of a Labrador dog and the multiple attempts to electrocute a man in the electric chair. I guess that was part of the history of electric currents and the legal battles that originated to claim ownership of the patents. Very well explained and documented and well developed characters. It has great philosophical perspectives and I learned about famous inventors and what supposedly were their motivations. I just don’t understand why authors have to use profanity to tell realistic stories. Due to the above I did not give the book a 5 stars.it is very personal. I recommend it.
Normally, I don’t like fictional biographies. However, Moore took a very technical and scientific topic and made it interesting and even exciting. The history behind electrical current and light bulbs is both intriguing and sad.
Another book that could be used to teach historically important inventions in the USA. I think this would be a good one to read in high school. I learned a lot about electrical currents, and our famous inventors.
Told me a lot about people and a time I never related to.
Who would think that a book about electricity and inventions in the 1800’s would be so interesting! The characters were fascinating, and it gave me such an appreciation for the creativity of people and the efforts they have gone through to create.
Very good historical novel about the “current wars” between Westinghouse and Edison, with Tesla a pawn between the two. Westinghouse thrived on products, Edison on an audience, and Tesla on ideas, while Westinghouse’s lawyer Paul Cravath thrived on solving problems (and while he was at it, invented the modern concept of how a big law firm works). At the end of the novel, the author outlines what was historically accurate (most of it) and what he changed, made up, or elaborated upon to create a good story. Well written and entertaining.
Historical fiction at its best
This is not something that you learn in school about the invention of the light bulb. It’s a great story!
Unless you are VERY interested in light bulbs , I couldn’t get into the plot
One my favorities
This book is based on the feud between Thomas A. Edison and George Westinghouse. As far as I could tell it was based in fact. There is a chapter at the end that explains what is factual and what is fictional. All in all a good read. The last days of night refer to the coming of electric light which destroyed the night.
This book has only fictional main character. The rest of the story is true. (oh and the timeline was compressed by a few years). I knew of some of the Edison Westinghouse conflict, but to be led through the whole story was amazing. The lawyer , on whom this story centers, is the founder of a still existing firm in downtown Manhattan. If it weren’t for him and his efforts, we still might be living in the dark. I cannot recommend this book enough. (I believe there is to be a movie starring Eddie Redmayne in the works.). This is a seamless mystery, thriller, science, history, business, and love story all rolled into one. Don’t miss it !!!
Novel featuring real people and spinning great stories about the era when electric light were first introduced. Very entertaining.
Not quite finished yet but it’s very good!
Great historical fiction regarding the battle between Edison and Westinghouse over the patent for the lightbulb.
Well writen an interesting look at the history of lighting.
A must read historical semi fiction .
very educational