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tehmegan's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It kinda lagged in the beginning, but after the initial setup, things progressed nicely. I'm sad that I can't say this wasn't fictional truth, as the end note essentially says, "Do not tell your friends the things in this book as hard facts." Nonetheless, I probably learned more about The Current Wars that I would have known otherwise.
It was very hard for me to stay in the 1886 time frame, I wanted the book to be set in the 1900-1905 time, for a reason that I do not know.
Also, I was glad for the happy ending after all the strife.
Now I want to read a book like this about Tesla inventing the electric car.
It was very hard for me to stay in the 1886 time frame, I wanted the book to be set in the 1900-1905 time, for a reason that I do not know.
Also, I was glad for the happy ending after all the strife.
Now I want to read a book like this about Tesla inventing the electric car.
aschwartau's review against another edition
5.0
The author turned the current wars between Edison and Westinghouse into a historical legal thriller and WOW it was so good. Loved the ways the characters came off the page. Even though it takes place during the dawn of electricity, it felt so modern and current (har har), reminding me many times of the wars between today's tech moguls (Musk, Jobs, Gates, Zuckerburg, Bezos, etc). The author's screenwriting experience shines through in the pacing, structure, and much of the dialogue. I was riveted the whole time, dying to know what was real and what was made up. Thankfully, at the end, the author makes it easy for readers to learn the true story through a detailed comparison of the timeline and characters in his story against actual history.... and holy moly, I was surprised by how little he had to invent. What a great story!
jackiyork's review against another edition
5.0
I'm surprised to say that I really loved this book. There was no real mystery, after all the current wars are long over, but the story is compelling and interesting.
natashawing's review against another edition
5.0
Page turner about the battle for the rights to claim the light bulb. Can definitely see it as a movie.
chuckb4's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic book! I happened to be in upstate NY and visited Niagara Falls right after I finished this book, so was kind of cool to see Tesla's statue and read more about Westinghouse and Tesla's work and relationship in the region and use of hydroelectric generators.
jessinthelib's review against another edition
5.0
I am a little surprised by how much I loved this book. An excellent story, mostly true, about the "current war" and the beginnings of electricity in this country. Intrigue, science, romance, law, passion...there is so much included here that I had a hard time putting it down. I wondered throughout how much was true. The last chapter is the author explaining just that, chapter by chapter, including citing his sources, which was very much appreciated. All-around a great read.
akovach's review against another edition
3.0
I had no idea Thomas Edison was such a bad man and there was so much drama surrounding the invention of the lightbulb. The book got a little long and I may not have stuck with it had I not been listening via audiobook but it was a great historical novel on a topic I wasn't very familiar with.
Favorite quote;
"Everything comes to those who hustles while he waits." Thomas Edison
Favorite quote;
"Everything comes to those who hustles while he waits." Thomas Edison
denimorse's review against another edition
4.0
The Last Days of Night is truly an enjoyable historical fiction novel about the rise of electricity and the battle over patents. The key players are Edison, Westinghouse, and Tesla; three unique and yet similar men on the quest to solve problems and move the world forward technologically.
The story revolves around Paul Cravath, the young and inexperienced lawyer hired by Westinghouse to battle Edison over the patent for the light bulb. Along the way Cravath learns about of innovation, greed, and the law as he delves into the world of inventors and businessmen.
The book is well balanced and maybe even a touch too light on the law and legal proceedings, but that makes it much more palatable to a wide audience. And I loved the last section by the author that pointed out all the elements based on fact and those embellished.
I highly recommend the book.
The story revolves around Paul Cravath, the young and inexperienced lawyer hired by Westinghouse to battle Edison over the patent for the light bulb. Along the way Cravath learns about of innovation, greed, and the law as he delves into the world of inventors and businessmen.
The book is well balanced and maybe even a touch too light on the law and legal proceedings, but that makes it much more palatable to a wide audience. And I loved the last section by the author that pointed out all the elements based on fact and those embellished.
I highly recommend the book.
sueperlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating historical fiction based on the legal actions between Edison and Westinghouse, with a little Tesla thrown in. I learned a lot.