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The Most Powerful Idea in the World: A Story of Steam, Industry, and Invention
If all measures of human advancement in the last hundred centuries were plotted on a graph, they would show an almost perfectly flat line—until the eighteenth century, when the Industrial Revolution would cause the line to shoot straight up, beginning an almost uninterrupted march of progress.
In The Most Powerful Idea in the World, William Rosen tells the story of the ...more
In The Most Powerful Idea in the World, William Rosen tells the story of the ...more
Hardcover, 400 pages
Published
June 1st 2010
by Random House
(first published January 1st 2010)
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*interview on the Daily Show
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon... *
Reviewers Note: rereading/listening to this for the 3-4th time and taking more notes.
Like Malcolm Gladwell, Jared Diamond and James Burke, William Rosen asks an interesting question about success and society. The question is : Why did the Industrial Revolution occur in the British Isles instead of India, China, Eastern Europe, South America? I'm found this topic interesting as I think about the need for innovation regarding t ...more
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon... *
Reviewers Note: rereading/listening to this for the 3-4th time and taking more notes.
Like Malcolm Gladwell, Jared Diamond and James Burke, William Rosen asks an interesting question about success and society. The question is : Why did the Industrial Revolution occur in the British Isles instead of India, China, Eastern Europe, South America? I'm found this topic interesting as I think about the need for innovation regarding t ...more
On the ground floor of the Science Museum in London’s South Kensington neighborhood, on a low platform in the center of the gallery called “Making of the Modern World,” is the most famous locomotive ever built. It's the Rocket, a locomotive that marks the inaugoration of something pretty significant - two centuries of mass transportation.
But how and why did the technology that was used to create this first locomotive, begin?
Why, for a long time in history, human development stood still? Or, in t ...more
But how and why did the technology that was used to create this first locomotive, begin?
Why, for a long time in history, human development stood still? Or, in t ...more
This may be the single greatest socio-political-economic history ever written. The only comparable book is "A Splendid Exchange," which has a far broader scope yet, as my review indicates, is marred by an annoying trope of academia. A history of the Industrial Revolution, this book explains why the changes took place when and where they did, and the (forgive me) locomotive force that drove exponential growth rates, ending Malthusian nightmares. "The miracle of sustainable invention [is] the most
...more
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, but I'm not sure I can really recommend it whole-heartedly. It was interesting to learn about an area of history I wasn't too acquainted with (the 18th century in terms of technological development), and the narrative is generally quite captivating.
A major weakness is that a lot of time and space is spent describing the workings of various different types of steam engines and precisely what the advantages were of a host of different innovations pioneered by vari ...more
A major weakness is that a lot of time and space is spent describing the workings of various different types of steam engines and precisely what the advantages were of a host of different innovations pioneered by vari ...more
"The Patent System added the fuel of interest to the fire of genius." - Abraham Lincoln
When I picked up this book I wasn't sure - even after reading several reviews - what it was about; a history of invention, a layman's science/engineering text or even a "biography" of the locomotive. Well The Most Powerful Idea in the World is all that and much more - and is a fascinating read.
Using the steam engine Rocket, (built in 1829), as his center-piece, the author takes the reader on an historical jour ...more
When I picked up this book I wasn't sure - even after reading several reviews - what it was about; a history of invention, a layman's science/engineering text or even a "biography" of the locomotive. Well The Most Powerful Idea in the World is all that and much more - and is a fascinating read.
Using the steam engine Rocket, (built in 1829), as his center-piece, the author takes the reader on an historical jour ...more
The main thesis of the book is the exploration of the "whys" and "hows" of the Industrial Revolution, and I thought William Rosen tackled it admirably.
Starting in Hero's Alexandria of the 2nd Century CE, to France and the invention of the vacuum driven piston, Rosen spends almost all the remaining time in Britain with Newcomen, Savery and later James Watt who all helped in the invention of the steam engine.
The book doesn't focus on the technology aspect alone but spends a fair amount of time on ...more
Starting in Hero's Alexandria of the 2nd Century CE, to France and the invention of the vacuum driven piston, Rosen spends almost all the remaining time in Britain with Newcomen, Savery and later James Watt who all helped in the invention of the steam engine.
The book doesn't focus on the technology aspect alone but spends a fair amount of time on ...more
I was a little bit surprised by what the author chose as the most powerful idea in the world. The book is a fascinating recounting of the forces and inventions that were the Industrial Revolution. I had never realized how central the steam engine was to all that, but it was interesting how the interplay between steam power, coal mining, textile production, transportation and others led to the growth. It was intriguing to read about how the myriad small inventions in different areas all built on
...more
"The Most Powerful Idea in the World" is a "Connections"-style book about the developments in technology and ideas that were needed to create an effective steam engine. The author covered the economic, legal, and social issues that came together to foster invention. He also followed various threads of technological developments from ancient times to 1829 that were needed for the creation of steam locomotives. He talked about many inventors and inventions along the way, including developments in
...more
This book looks at how the Industrial Revolution happened and how in a fairly small island off Europe fossil fuels were first harnessed which in turn led to the enormous increase in wealth over the past 200 years.
The book is well written and very much worth reading for people who are interested in the technology and concepts that changed humanity. Rosen asks the question as to why it was in Britain, rather than in China that this happened. Rosen credits the patents system substantially.
The boo ...more
The book is well written and very much worth reading for people who are interested in the technology and concepts that changed humanity. Rosen asks the question as to why it was in Britain, rather than in China that this happened. Rosen credits the patents system substantially.
The boo ...more
The main thesis of this bopk is that the industrial revolution was mainly a revolution in innovation which resulted from the establishment of a new understanding of intellectual property in a large enough country.
The book is clear and easy to follow even though it could have benefited from more explanation of the mechanical details of mechanisms for the uninitiated.
The clarity and focus may have caused some oversimplification in some parts.
The book is clear and easy to follow even though it could have benefited from more explanation of the mechanical details of mechanisms for the uninitiated.
The clarity and focus may have caused some oversimplification in some parts.
Well written book which brings multiple ideas together about patents, innovations, the people behind them, their motivations, the eco system etc. It goes deep into engjneering and talks about the complexity of the technology. What is perhaps not detailed out is how economics behind the industrial revolution, the market, the money and legal system. the main grouse I had was it used the UK measurement system and not the metric system though I can understand that this system was apt for this book
Obtained this book about a year ago, but kept putting off reading it thinking it was mostly about the invention/development of the steam engine for trains, but came to understand quickly it was about much more--about inventing and patenting itself, and why it was in England that mankind figured out a more optimal way to do both. Wish I had read it sooner.
Great stuff. Many of the engineering details were over my head and I couldn't visualize them...but I take that as a personal limitation, not one of the book :) This is an excellent, multi-discipline take on the Industrial Revolution, and it put a lot of small details from other books about the period into a much better perspective for me. Recommend.
If you like History then this book is a must. So many things changed in so short of a time, the world will never be the same again. it really is a great read for a history buff, not so much if you just want stories.
This book talks about the advent of the industrial revolution and essays that the most important advance made was the protection of ideas through patents and patent law. Advances are only possible through the financial penalties and protections that the law affords. Unless, of course, you are Elon Musk and you open all your patents to the world and hope that they adopt your ideas. Or Linus Torvalds. Or Tim Berners-Lee.
A very interesting excursion through the history of invention, like a leisurely ramble through the countryside led by a true aficianado, with side trips that may seem to be taking you out of your way but will certainly enrich your journey.
The author uses the device of the Rocket, the first steam locomotive on display in the British Museum, as the unifying thread for the journey, and explores the development of every significant technological invention that led to it. This doesn't mean just the m ...more
The author uses the device of the Rocket, the first steam locomotive on display in the British Museum, as the unifying thread for the journey, and explores the development of every significant technological invention that led to it. This doesn't mean just the m ...more
I've enjoyed reading this as much as I've enjoyed any book expounding on the history of technology. I won't get into the describing the book since that's well covered in the other reviews around here. I will state, though, that Rosen's blend of popular expository prose, academic esoterica and technical detail struck an appealing balance. Steam power itself is not the "most powerful idea" but it is the framework, the environment and the best way yet to illustrate the conjunction of intellect, law
...more
I read The Most Powerful Idea in the World, William Rosen’s book about the invention of the steam engine, for two reasons, one of which was Bill Gates’ glowing recommendation. In his review, he raved about how Rosen was one of the first people to successfully argue that patent law had a large impact on innovation. Since I am working on a project that looks at the impact of legal systems on innovation it only seemed natural. But I had a reservation. Not about the time period, I’d read a few books
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Those who picked up the book looking for a treatise on the evolution of steam engines would do well to look at the subtitle. (i.e. The Story of Steam, Industry, and Invention.)
For while the there is some valuable intormation on early steam engine evolution, primarily the Newcombe and Watt engines in the first couple of chapters and the first practical steam locomotive Rocket in the last, the author casts his net much wider than that. In a style that reminds one somewhat of a James Burke book, t ...more
For while the there is some valuable intormation on early steam engine evolution, primarily the Newcombe and Watt engines in the first couple of chapters and the first practical steam locomotive Rocket in the last, the author casts his net much wider than that. In a style that reminds one somewhat of a James Burke book, t ...more
Despite a title that sounds like self-help, this book is actually about the invention of steam locomotion.
In the process of documenting the dozens of technology innovations that went into building one of the first successful steam-powered land vehicles (a steam engine sitting on a wooden wagon known as "Rocket"), it ends up documenting most of the major elements of the industrial revolution.
"The greatest invention of the industrial revolution was invention itself." The book spend a great deal of ...more
In the process of documenting the dozens of technology innovations that went into building one of the first successful steam-powered land vehicles (a steam engine sitting on a wooden wagon known as "Rocket"), it ends up documenting most of the major elements of the industrial revolution.
"The greatest invention of the industrial revolution was invention itself." The book spend a great deal of ...more
The author has chosen the middle ground in explaining the steam engine in terms of how technical his explanations were, and, as a result, in my opinion, was able to cater to neither of the more technical audience, or the less technical audience. As the member of the less technical audience, a lot of the times I had absolutely no clue what he was talking about. Just a couple of pictures would have been able to illustrate so much better the long descriptions of the machines, and made them so much
...more
This book is an interesting history of an innovation - the working steam engine. It focuses not on any one version of the engine, but on all the innovations and innovators necessary to make steam technology a commercial success. So it doesn't just focus on Watt and Boulton but on the entire English system of innovating and patenting. This is why the book leads up to the test of the Rocket locomotive, since that contest provide a useful focal point. It was a very informative book and was especial
...more
This the story of the Industrial revolution, starting with the simplest of steam driven device to the first successful steam locomotive 'Rocket' by Stephenson. Along the way one gets a good insight into the lives of inventors like James Watt, Stephenson, Arkwright, Brunel and many others along with mentions of several others who contributed their bit. There is a chapter showing the impact of the industrial revolution on Britain's economy with comparative data of Britain, France, Netherlands, Chi
...more
'James Watt invented the steam engine' is a statement I have heard over and over. Luckily, history is not as simplistic as this, and Rosen's book revels in explaining why this is not so. It takes the Stephenson's Rocket as a focal point from which a rich web of history, politics, economics, technology and philosophy are explored.
The story of the Cornish Steam Engineers is one that I find facinating, and it is one that in the UK is unknown to many of public who only know of Watt, Stephenson and B ...more
The story of the Cornish Steam Engineers is one that I find facinating, and it is one that in the UK is unknown to many of public who only know of Watt, Stephenson and B ...more
Excellent read, for history of technology culture. Thesis of the book is that, more than artifacts like steam power, the real contribution of the Industrial Revolution was the culture, process, democratization and commercialization of invention itself. I.e., it was the first time in history that the common man began to think about invention and improvements as a way of creating wealth, rather than fixing some local problem or inconvenience or labor. Central to this was the development of the pat
...more
If you are curious about the technology and history of steam power, then this is the book for you. I liked the description of the operating principle and design of all the early devices. It was also apparent that the engineering involved far outpaced the scientific theory of thermodynamics that came much later. Science doesn't drive tech innovation like we've all been led to believe.
I was disappointed by the attempts to explain why the age of steam happened in the time and place that it did. The ...more
I was disappointed by the attempts to explain why the age of steam happened in the time and place that it did. The ...more
This was a good book to read for getting the nitty-gritty on the sequence of events leading to the Steam Engine and the Industrial Revolution. Rosen does provide a good narrative on the slow and incremental progress as Steam Engines evolved from energy hogs only efficient enough to pump water out of coal mines to Steam driven trains. For that, anyone interested in Steam power would likely be satisfied. I did enjoy the leaps from the simple Newcomen water pump to the Boulton & Watt steam engi
...more
I enjoyed this take on the various historical threads that came together to feed the Industrial Revolution. The author proposes that the concept of incentivising innovation (through patent laws etc.) was the primary force for this historical period. He tries for a sweet spot between a straightforward historical recounting of details of some of the most important inventions (primarily the steam engine) and a broader treatment of a variety of philosophical and cultural influences on this era. Read
...more
For thousands of years humans had relied on muscle and animal power. Then, a few hundred years ago, they started to use mechanical machines. If you plot Economic output or GDP on a timeline, it literally stayed flat until the 1800s and then jumped. The reason was the industrial revolution.
What drove the industrial revolution? It was steam power! This book is an account of the rise of steam power and the massive change brought about by it. The author does an excellent job explaining the history ...more
What drove the industrial revolution? It was steam power! This book is an account of the rise of steam power and the massive change brought about by it. The author does an excellent job explaining the history ...more
Scientific thinking began to advance in the 16th century throughout Europe, but why did so many of the technological and economic advances derived from this new scientific outlook come disproportionally from England? That's the basic question this book attempts to answer.
The argument that it was largely due to legally enforceable patents is interesting. They gave innovators the expectation that they could benefit from their ideas, which encouraged them to spend the time, effort, and money needed ...more
The argument that it was largely due to legally enforceable patents is interesting. They gave innovators the expectation that they could benefit from their ideas, which encouraged them to spend the time, effort, and money needed ...more
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William Rosen was an historian and author who previously was an editor an publisher at Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, and the Free Press for nearly twenty-five years. He lived in Princeton, New Jersey.
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William Rosen PRINCETON JUNCTION Author William Rosen, 61, whose works of narrative nonfiction include "Justinian's Flea" and "The Most Powerful Idea in the World: The Story of ...more
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From recent obituary
William Rosen PRINCETON JUNCTION Author William Rosen, 61, whose works of narrative nonfiction include "Justinian's Flea" and "The Most Powerful Idea in the World: The Story of ...more
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“Incised in the stone over the Herbert C. Hoover Building’s north entrance is the legend that, with Lincoln’s characteristic brevity, sums up the single most powerful idea in the world: THE PATENT SYSTEM ADDED THE FUEL OF INTEREST TO THE FIRE OF GENIUS”
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“The brain is evolutionarily hard-wired to do its best daydreaming only when it senses that it is safe to do so—when, in short, it is relaxed. In Kounios’s words, “The relaxation phase is crucial.5 That’s why so many insights happen during warm showers.” Or during Sunday afternoon walks on Glasgow Green, when the idea of a separate condenser seems to have excited the aSTG in the skull of James Watt. Eureka indeed.”
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