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The Lightning Tamers: True Stories of the Dreamers and Schemers Who Harnessed Electricity and Transformed Our World Hardcover – October 12, 2022

by Kathy Joseph (Author)

4.8 219 ratings

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Science and History Collide: True Stories of the People Who Powered Our World

You flick on a light without thinking about it. But what about the fascinating and bizarre stories hidden behind that simple action? Fortunes were made and lost, ideas stolen, rivalries pursued, dogs electrocuted, beards set on fire, arms amputated, and decapitated human heads reanimated all with the invention and evolution of electricity.

In this physics and engineering chronicle disguised as an electric time-travel adventure, Kathy Joseph, physicist, educator, and creator of the popular Kathy Loves Physics documentary channel on YouTube, shares the story of electricity through the linked breakthroughs of men and women in science.

Go on a wild journey covering over 400 years of history to discover for yourself the unlikely yet true stories of the characters who paved the way for modern electricity. From the assistant who invented the electric light 140 years before Edison to the severed ear that led to the telephone, follow the chain of experiments, inventions, and discoveries through time. Beginning with Queen Elizabeth’s bored doctor naming electricity after jewelry, the winding road that leads to you to charge your phone at night will enthrall you.

Rigorously researched, historically and scientifically accurate, and filled with quirky anecdotes, The Lightning Tamers will provide you with a greater understanding of how our electric world works. Whether you’re a history buff, a science lover, or someone who just likes to know more about the world around you, The Lightning Tamers is the entertaining read for you.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In her wonderful new book The Lightning Tamers, Kathy Joseph captures the bizarre and beautiful as she unfolds the amazing stories behind the electrical inventions and discoveries that made our modern world possible."
-John Jenkins, President & CEO, Spark Museum of Electrical Invention

"Kathy Joseph did a great job in making the lives of Edison, Steinmetz, Tesla, and many others relatable. Somehow it is empowering to see that the people behind some of the most significant advances of our time suffered from self-doubt, ego, and ambition. They combined all the good and bad of their time and were, in short, human, and yet changed the world. Great book."
-Juan M. Rivas Davil, Associate Professor, Stanford University, Electrical Engineering

"It is a delightful mix of fantastic stories and accurate science. I just have one complaint; I loaned my early copy to my dad...now he won't give it back to me!"
-Seth Sanders, Professor Emeritus - EECS Dept, UC Berkeley and Chief Technology Officer, Amber Kinetics.

"A wide-ranging and delightful history that covers both the development of electrical technology and the personalities that made it happen. Exceptionally-well researched, it is presented at a level that will engage and entertain all readers, while providing sufficient technical detail to please electrical specialists."
-David Perreault, Ford Professor of Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Lightening Tamers is an amazing and fascinating book. Anyone interested in history or who wonders how mankind learned to harness electricity will find it hard to put down."
-5-star Readers' Favorite review

About the Author

Kathy Joseph splits her time between writing her next book, making documentary videos based on her books for her YouTube channel, Kathy Loves Physics, and giving talks about the history of science. Kathy holds multiple advanced degrees in physics and engineering and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.Learn more at www.KathyLovesPhysics.com.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B4KMYGP8
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Smart Science Press (October 12, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 311 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8985981322
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.44 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.14 x 0.97 x 9.21 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,176,304 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,158 in History of Technology
- #2,380 in Scientist Biographies
- #3,959 in History & Philosophy of Science (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.8 219 ratings

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Kathy Joseph

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Kathy Joseph splits her time between writing her next book, making documentary videos based on her books for her YouTube channel, and giving talks about the history of science and the importance of context for learning science.

Kathy attributes her novel’s depth and breadth partially to her YouTube channel, Kathy Loves Physics. She uses her channel to test out her ideas in documentary form and learn from her brilliant viewers, making this book an interactive experience. Despite her simple video format, Kathy has hit a nerve, and her channel has over six million views and over 98,000 subscribers. Kathy also puts all of her scripts on her website and dives into other fascinating scientific topics on her blog, spanning a broad range of topics like the history of the Nobel Prize, the birth of wireless, and the early history of quantum mechanics.

Kathy has earned four higher education degrees in physics, engineering, and science education, but she feels as if her real education came from spending 12 years as a public high school physics teacher. She is an alumnus of the University of Chicago, Penn State, and the University of Utah.

Kathy lives near San Francisco with her fabulous husband, Mike, her amazing children, Alicia and Alex, and one very cranky cat aptly named Brutus.

Learn more at www.KathyLovesPhysics.com.

Customer reviews

219 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and entertaining, with a good overview of the subject. They describe it as an easy read that puts faces on the people and their personalities. The introduction is described as perfect for understanding the discovery process and appreciates the author's style.

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Information quality Entertainment value Readability Personality Introduction Electricity use Style

30 customers mention "Information quality"30 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and well-researched. They appreciate its easy read with interesting details and a good overview of the subject matter. The book covers technical aspects as well as personalities, making it educational and fascinating.

"...And it's "educational," not in the common and superficial sense -- FAQs and definitions -- but in the old traditional sense of "leading / drawing..." Read more

"...bring a degree of excitement, accuracy, and clarity to the understanding of electricity history...." Read more

"...it is not that "nationalistic" it offers the floor to all scientists, I had never heard of Mikhail Dolivo-Dobrovolsky *..." Read more

"...Fascinating. But it doesn’t deal with the actual physics, which I was hoping for. Maxwell ain’t here. So, enjoy it, it’s fun...." Read more

28 customers mention "Entertainment value"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and interesting. They appreciate the original works that bring excitement, accuracy, and clarity to the history. The personalities are described as amazing, delightful, and at times infuriating. Readers enjoy the passion and magic of electrical engineering captured in the stories.

"...she draws forth the real people and real personalities -- "amazing, delightful, and at times, infuriating" -- who, through small beginnings, built..." Read more

"...I appreciate how the original works bring a degree of excitement, accuracy, and clarity to the understanding of electricity history...." Read more

"This is an interesting account of many of the likewise interesting personalities that brought electricity to the world. Fascinating...." Read more

"...well and the price is well appropriate, and secondly, the book is very interesting, I watched many of Kathy’s videos on YouTube and were fascinated,..." Read more

24 customers mention "Readability"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable. They appreciate the author's synopsis of discoveries and how scientists build on each other. The words per page are well-calculated and organized, and the quotes are abundant. Overall, readers find the book well-researched and written.

"...she draws forth the real people and real personalities -- "amazing, delightful, and at times, infuriating" -- who, through small beginnings,..." Read more

"...With abundant quotes and outstanding organization, this book provides a delightful and easy-to-read introduction to the complex subject of..." Read more

"...It's an easy read and yet absolutely filled with fascinating detail. Extra: Watch a few of the author's videos on her YouTube channel...." Read more

"...Words per page very well calculated and arranged. Volume and weight nice considering the knowledge conveyed...." Read more

5 customers mention "Personality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's portrayal of real people and their personalities. They find it engaging and say it puts faces on names. The characters are well-written and have a good size.

"...near-forgotten names (except on science mid-term tests) she draws forth the real people and real personalities -- "amazing, delightful, and at times..." Read more

"Very well structured, good character size and style, appreciated the paper quality especially the colour...." Read more

"...Kathy reveals the human side of science history and changes vague names into vibrant personalities...." Read more

"I found it to be a lightning-quick survey, a fun chat about personalities and interpersonal effects in history, and here and there a useful..." Read more

4 customers mention "Introduction"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's introduction easy to read and informative. They appreciate the premise and quotes, as well as learning about electricity's origins.

"Love the premise, love the quotes, and learning "where electricity comes from."..." Read more

"...organization, this book provides a delightful and easy-to-read introduction to the complex subject of electricity." Read more

"Entertaining, Instructional, and oh so well documented!..." Read more

"A perfect intro if you want to understand the discovery process behind electricity and magnetism...." Read more

3 customers mention "Electricity use"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book useful and informative about electricity. They learn where it comes from and appreciate its uses.

"...And as an added benefit, you will learn, really learn, where electricity comes from and how to tame the lightning." Read more

"...and Kathy’s channel have helped me better understand and appreciate everything electrical...." Read more

"...reading this book, especially if you like history and find electricity to be useful." Read more

3 customers mention "Style"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's style and paper quality. They find the author conveys beauty and wonder effectively.

"Very well structured, good character size and style, appreciated the paper quality especially the colour...." Read more

"...Kathy does an excellent job in conveying the beauty and wonder that must have driven these "dreamers and schemers"...." Read more

"...I'm an engineer and this provides a beautiful coat rack for that knowledge...." Read more

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CM Shifflett
Outstanding in many ways
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2022
Verified Purchase

Love the premise, love the quotes, and learning "where electricity comes from."
And it's "educational," not in the common and superficial sense -- FAQs and definitions -- but in the old traditional sense of "leading / drawing out." And the author draws out so much . . .

From dusty bones and near-forgotten names (except on science mid-term tests) she draws forth the real people and real personalities -- "amazing, delightful, and at times, infuriating" -- who, through small beginnings, built our modern world.

"[Do not] despise the small beginnings" (says the later-renowned Michael Faraday who began as a bookbinder) -- they precede of necessity all great things. Vesicles make clouds; they are trifles light as air, but then they make drops, and drops make showers, rain makes torrents and rivers, and these can alter the face of a country."

And as an added benefit, you will learn, really learn, where electricity comes from and how to tame the lightning.

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9 people found this helpful

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William Breiland
An excellent read
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
I discovered this book after stumbling across Kathy Joseph’s excellent YouTube site. The book is scrupulously researched, using as many original sources as possible. Prior to coming across Kathy’s work, I had been doing my own digging into works by Faraday, Franklin, Gray, and others. I appreciate how the original works bring a degree of excitement, accuracy, and clarity to the understanding of electricity history. With abundant quotes and outstanding organization, this book provides a delightful and easy-to-read introduction to the complex subject of electricity.

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2 people found this helpful

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data-tree
we need more books like this one!
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2024
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I am a physicist myself who later became a teacher. I also tend to be sort of a perfectionist, so when I like something I look for perfection in it on my own terms, which in a sense is not fair to Joseph.
Let's start with the "good":
* it thoroughly debunks the Tesla myth
* it is not that "nationalistic" it offers the floor to all scientists, I had never heard of Mikhail Dolivo-Dobrovolsky
* it shows that we scientist have a heart and can also be irrational, stupid like everyone else
* Joseph writes in a down to earth way that "anyone" can understand
* Joseph occasionally touches on social, moral issues. Most of us, scientists and tech-monkeys, consider ourself to be some sort of aristocracy, carry an unhealthy degree of cynicism when it comes to such "unscientific" matters.
~
the "bad", not "perfect", not totally great ("areas of improvement") ...:
* the frog experiment/discovery of the electrochemical physiology of neurons by Galvani was explained. I would have included more on the boundary of other scientific regions between physics and mathematics, chemistry et biology
* instead of "summaries" at the end of each chapter, the book should have included experimental sections and/or a manual of experiments as a companion to this book should be written
* the basic idea behind "experimenting" and the concept of techne/function/equations should have been explained as some sort of cooking, recipes
* a layered functional picture of generally, socially used items such a cell phone should have been presented and how its technological parts carry each a "history" of their own and are interrelated
* a book about the history of physics without Mathematical equations isn't really about the history of physics ;-)
* too much gossip about entirely social issues, which yes, do influence scientific research to some extent, but do not ultimately determine scientific results or theories. Einstein clarified to the British that he didn’t have to pay homage to Newton but Maxwell/Heaviside, explaining why would have been a more interesting kind of intellectual gossip
* too much emphasis is put on money itself, not so much showing what/who is the boss when it comes to the "money vs. brains" dialectic (like the hilarious response of Steinmetz to Henry Ford when he was asked to itemize the bill for his work!)
* the numeration of citations should be start on 1 for every chapter instead of keeping it running throughout the book (it runs to 969!)
* stating that a scientist is "Norwegian" says nothing about him and add "toxic" overtones to the matter at hand. You could just say that she was born "in Oslo, July 10th 1925" (basically, the here and now of where your mother gave birth to you). Was Einstein "German" (when he renounced his German citizenship when he was a teen, not entirely due to his Jewish ancestry)?; George Orwell "British" (when he wasn't even born in Britain and mercilessly poked fun at their crappy royalty)?; Galileo a fervently Catholic Italian dude when "Italy" didn't even exist in those times and the Catholic Church didn't seem to share his sense of humor? Scientist and creative people in general are citizens of humanity!
~
"ugly"?: nothing really!

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Margo
It skipped the math!
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is an interesting account of many of the likewise interesting personalities that brought electricity to the world. Fascinating. But it doesn’t deal with the actual physics, which I was hoping for. Maxwell ain’t here. So, enjoy it, it’s fun. But you won’t learn much about actual electricity.

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Talik
Great book
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
Verified Purchase
Firstly the book arrived in great condition and packaged well and the price is well appropriate, and secondly, the book is very interesting, I watched many of Kathy’s videos on YouTube and were fascinated, the book that she sells is exactly the same style as her videos which I very like and appreciate I hope she will publish more books on the era of Newton, Euler , Galileo and Andreas Libavius sometime in the future.

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Talik

Great book

Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
Firstly the book arrived in great condition and packaged well and the price is well appropriate, and secondly, the book is very interesting, I watched many of Kathy’s videos on YouTube and were fascinated, the book that she sells is exactly the same style as her videos which I very like and appreciate I hope she will publish more books on the era of Newton, Euler , Galileo and Andreas Libavius sometime in the future.

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2 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer
Interesting history of how we got to have and keep the lights on
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2022
Verified Purchase
Having retired from the power industry, I was always fascinated by how the electrical side differed from my own mechanical side. The issues I worked on were clear and understandable. The issues on the electrical side usually seemed to involve a significant amount of magic. This book explains the who and how the magic became both understandable and useful to the world that we now live in. It's an easy read and yet absolutely filled with fascinating detail.

Extra: Watch a few of the author's videos on her YouTube channel. Kathy loves physics. Then, when you read the book you'll hear her voice telling you the stories.

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6 people found this helpful

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Kiaf
Kathy love's History and Physics
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
Very well structured, good character size and style, appreciated the paper quality especially the colour. Words per page very well calculated and arranged. Volume and weight nice considering the knowledge conveyed. Thank you very much, awaiting the next publishes.

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Reis
A história da Eletricidade sob uma nova luz.
Reviewed in Brazil on February 2, 2024
Verified Purchase

Narrativa fluida e interessante, que nós leva a redescobrir a eletridade a partir das histórias dos seus descobridores, uma obra ao mesmo tempo histórica e biográfica.

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Gerry
Infectious Enthusiasm
Reviewed in Canada on October 22, 2022
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Kathy Joseph's enthusiasm for the subject is infectious. She tells a great story!

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LAKSHMAN SHRESTHA
Perfect booku, goou for it. 😁
Reviewed in India on May 15, 2023
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Perfect booku goou for it. 😁🍰

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LAKSHMAN SHRESTHA

Perfect booku, goou for it. 😁

Reviewed in India on May 15, 2023
Perfect booku goou for it. 😁🍰

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JASA
Um livro fantástico
Reviewed in Spain on March 15, 2023
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parabéns á autora , pois este livro é apaixonante de ler

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robin redbreast
Fantastic read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 23, 2022
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A very interesting well written book. Very informative and truly delightful to read. Kathy Joseph skilfully portrays the history of the science, and technologies, involved in the use and production of electricity. You will become more aware when you switch on the power after you have read this book, and learned about so many people that were involved in you being able to do so. I would recommend this read to anyone.

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The Lightning Tamers: True Stories of the Dreamers and Schemers Who Harnessed Electricity and Transformed Our World Hardcover – October 12, 2022

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5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding in many ways

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read

5.0 out of 5 stars we need more books like this one!

4.0 out of 5 stars It skipped the math!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book

Great book

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5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting history of how we got to have and keep the lights on

5.0 out of 5 stars Kathy love's History and Physics

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars A história da Eletricidade sob uma nova luz.

5.0 out of 5 stars Infectious Enthusiasm

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect booku, goou for it. 😁

Perfect booku, goou for it. 😁

Images in this review

5.0 out of 5 stars Um livro fantástico

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read.

Outstanding in many ways

An excellent read

we need more books like this one!

It skipped the math!

Great book

Interesting history of how we got to have and keep the lights on

Kathy love's History and Physics

A história da Eletricidade sob uma nova luz.

Infectious Enthusiasm

Perfect booku, goou for it. 😁

Um livro fantástico

Fantastic read.