Book description
Thomas Edison’s greatest invention? His own fame.
At the height of his fame Thomas Alva Edison was hailed as “the Napoleon of invention” and blazed in the public imagination as a virtual demigod. Starting with the first public demonstrations of the phonograph in 1878 and extending through the development of…
Why read it?
3 authors picked The Wizard of Menlo Park as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
It is impossible to overestimate the breadth and importance of Edison’s contributions to our lives. But Stross gave me a much better picture of Edison as a relentless competitor who often struggled to develop the business practices and processes to achieve commercial success with his numerous inventions.
The fact that I could visit the Menlo Park historical site in NJ to see things for myself made the book come alive.
From Howie's list on innovators and innovation.
The Wizard of Menlo Park tells the Thomas Edison story frankly and compellingly, combining the tale of America’s most famous inventor with the story of a man who worked extremely hard to achieve what no one else could.
I learned a lot from his book about an amazing idea man, but also about someone who knew how to translate ideas into reality, break through barriers to achieve a goal, and persevere when success seemed impossible.
When we pay our electric bills, many of us send them to “Edison” because he set a new standard of brilliance and productivity. This is…
The Wizard of Menlo Park is written with a deep appreciation for the genius of Thomas Edison, following him from his youthful enterprises to his ground-breaking inventions. Edison was a fascinating character, brilliantly described in this full biography. If anyone had a full slate of aha! moments, it was Thomas Edison.
From Bryant's list on famous scientists, focusing on their aha! moment.
If you love The Wizard of Menlo Park...
The High House
The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.
The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.
Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…
Want books like The Wizard of Menlo Park?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Wizard of Menlo Park.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,210
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like The Wizard of Menlo Park, you might also like...
December on 5C4
Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!
On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…
Living On Purpose
Many people from all walks of life, even after many accomplishments and experiences, are often plagued by dissatisfaction, pervasive longing, and deep questioning. These feelings may make them wonder if they are living the life they were meant to lead.
Living on Purpose is the guidebook these people have been…
