Preview
  • The Last Lone Inventor

  • A Tale of Genius, Deceit, and the Birth of Television
  • By: Evan I. Schwartz
  • Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin
  • Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (28 ratings)

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The Last Lone Inventor

By: Evan I. Schwartz
Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin
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Publisher's summary

In a story that is both of its time and timeless, Evan I. Schwartz tells a tale of genius versus greed, innocence versus deceit, and independent brilliance versus corporate arrogance. Many men have laid claim to the title "father of television," but Philo T. Farnsworth is the true genius behind what may be the most influential invention of our time.

Driven by his obsession to demonstrate his idea, by the age of 20 Farnsworth was operating his own laboratory above a garage in San Francisco and filing for patents. The resulting publicity caught the attention of RCA tycoon David Sarnoff, who became determined to control television in the same way he monopolized radio.

Based on original research, including interviews with Farnsworth family members, The Last Lone Inventor is the story of the epic struggle between two equally passionate adversaries whose clash symbolized a turning point in the culture of creativity.

©2002 Evan I. Schwartz (P)2020 Tantor
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Televisionaries

First rate account of TV that gives due credit to Philo Farnsworth while intelligently including the role of David Sarnoff in making it a pillar of human communication. Great book and worth the time as it frames technological advances in terms of human beings and human aspirations.

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Thank you, Philo.

Great story. Great reader. One of the top books I've come across. Artfully constructed with twists and turns to surprise you in every chapter. The tale is 1/4 drama, 1/4 ingenuity and persistence, 1/4 history, and 1/4 political and corporate machinations. Incredibly insightful. Really fun.

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1 person found this helpful