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Title:  Thomas Edison A Photographic Story Of A Life

Author: Jan Adkins
Edition: First American Edition
ISBN: 978-0-756605207-4
Date: 2009
Publisher: DK Publishing
Binding: Soft Cover
Size approximately (inches): 5 x 7-3/4
Pages: 128

Book Condition: Good. Previously owned. Some corner and edge bumps

Special Notes: NA

About the book*

Thomas Edison: A Photographic Story of a Life by Jan Adkins (DK Publishing, first American edition published August 3, 2009) is a visually rich, 128-page biography aimed at young readers (ages 7–12) that chronicles Thomas Alva Edison's life through archival photographs, clear narrative, and fun facts .

📘 Synopsis

This engaging photographic biography traces Edison from his early years—labeled an "addled" student who was often sick—to his transformation into the brilliant inventor known as the “Wizard of Menlo Park.” It highlights his major innovations, including improvements to the telephone, phonograph, electric light bulb, motion picture camera, and the creation of centralized power systems. The text includes snapshots of Edison's household, his laboratories, and his relationships with key figures like Henry Ford, Nikola Tesla, and George Westinghouse. It also offers candid glimpses of his personal life, covering his family, deafness, and leadership style with his assistants 

🔍 Key Highlights

• Archival Photographs: Over 128 pages filled with historical imagery, helping readers visualize Edison’s era 

• Major Inventions: Covers the phonograph, incandescent lighting, motion pictures, and electric power networks 

• Research Laboratories: Explores his groundbreaking research model at Menlo Park, a precursor to modern R&D labs .

• Personal Life & Personality: Depicts his family life, hearing impairment, marriages, interactions with “the Boys” (his hired lab technicians), and competitive nature 

• Historic Anecdotes: Includes lesser-known ventures—Ore-crushing machines, cement plants, battery development—and controversial episodes like the “War of Currents” and the Topsy elephant incident .

🧭 Why It’s Worth Reading

• Educational & Kid-Friendly: Written for children, aligned with Common Core standards, and easy to digest .

• Concise Yet Informative: A compact introduction that spans Edison’s early life, innovations, personal complexities, and enduring legacy 

• Balanced Portrait: Celebrates his genius while acknowledging his flaws, offering a nuanced view that mixes admiration with critical reflection .

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From W5SWL

*AI is used to present some modern description content. Subject to review and possible inaccuracy.