Second printing of 2002. Previous owner's name and bookplate else As New in all respects. "Crystal clear on technical points, Marsden is archly amusing in discussing how reputations are made." Gilbert Taylor--Booklist Every effort is made to ship all books and other items within 24 hours. Clean recycled packing material will be used when possible. The Book Shed has a been a member of the Vermont Antiquarian Bookseller's Association since 1997. An online bookseller with a bookshop sensibility!

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Bibliographic Details

Title

Watt's Perfect Engine: Steam and the Age of Invention (Revolutions in Science)

Publisher

Columbia University Press, New York

Publication Date

2002

Language

English

ISBN 10

0231131720

ISBN 13

9780231131728

Binding

Hardcover

Edition

First American Edition.

Condition

Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition

Near Fine

Seller catalogs

Science & Technology

About this title

Synopsis

As the inventor of the separate-condenser steam engine―that Promethean symbol of technological innovation and industrial progress―James Watt has become synonymous with the spirit of invention, while his last name has long been immortalized as the very measurement of power. But contrary to popular belief, Watt did not single-handedly bring about the steam revolution. His "perfect engine" was as much a product of late-nineteenth-century Britain as it was of the inventor's imagination.

As one of the greatest technological developments in human history, the steam engine was a major progenitor of the Industrial Revolution, but it was also symptomatic of its many problems. Armed with a patent on the separate-condenser principle and many influential political connections, Watt and his business partner Matthew Boulton fought to maintain a twenty-five-year monopoly on steam power that stifled innovation and ruthlessly crushed competition. After tinkering with boiling kettles and struggling with leaky cylinders for years without success, Watt would eventually amass a fortune and hold sway over an industry. But, as Ben Marsden shows, he owed his astonishing rise as much to espionage and political maneuvering as to his own creativity and determination.

This is a tale of science and technology in tandem, of factory show-spaces and international espionage, of bankruptcy and brain drains, lobbying and legislation, and patents and pirates. It reveals how James Watt―warts and all―became an icon fit for an age of industry and invention.

About the Author

Ben Marsden is a lecturer in cultural history and the history of science at the University of Aberdeen.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

The Book Shed, now an internet only bookshop, has been a member of the Vermont Antiquarian Booksellers Association for over twenty-five years. We stock good, hand selected books in a wide range of subjects. Our inventory is deep in cook books, philosophy and religion, American history and literature, especially British fiction particularly the works of and about Anthony Powell and his twelve novel sequence A Dance to the Music of Time. Items may be purchased through the ABE website, via PayPal or by contacting us directly to arrange payment. Very occasionally additional shipping will be required for heavy items or sets most often for overseas delivery. Every effort is made to have your purchase in the US postal system within 24 hours. Tracking number and delivery estimate always provided. Please call (802) 345-3081 if you wish to use other delivery services. very effort is made to ship all books and other items within 24 hours. Tracking number and estimated delivery date always provided. Clean recycled packing material will be used when possible. The Book Shed has a been a member of the Vermont Antiquarian Bookseller's Association since 1997. Like us on Facebook or you may also find us on the web at ABE Books and Biblio. We work hard to maintain a five star rating on these sites.

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The Book Shed
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Every effort is made to ship all books and other items within 24 hours. Clean recycled packing material will be used when possible. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2 LB. If your book order is very heavy or a set we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

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