Robert Fulton and the Development of the Steamboat: And the Development of the Steamboat (The Library of American Lives and Times)

Robert Fulton’s failure as a painter led to one of the most important technological advances of the industrial age: the steamboat. Fulton’s designs and personal influence linked together America’s waterways and revolutionized trade and travel for a century to come.

Grade 5-8-The life and times of this complex and creative man are captured in this attractive presentation replete with maps and full-color reproductions of building sketches and period paintings. Fulton is described not just in terms of his own designs, but also in terms of the work of others who were engaged in submarine and steamboat development. He believed that nothing was impossible and persevered even when the tide of political and public opinion did not support him. Even while he was improving on steam navigation, he continued to perfect his naval weaponry, especially mines and torpedoes. Perhaps one of the most interesting points in this book is the concluding one, that for Fulton, an invention did not only have to be useful, but also needed to be profitable. A complete look at a man with a variety of interests and great ambitions.
Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.