Review of Edison and the Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death

Edison & The Electric Chair

Review of Edison and the Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death

When I picked up Edison and the Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death, I was expecting it to focus primarily on the infamous connection between Thomas Edison and the electric chair. Not that I’m particularly fascinated by the electric chair or capital punishment, but I didn’t realize Edison had any involvement in its invention. However, this book takes a broader approach, exploring much more than just Edison’s role in the electric chair.

A Deeper Look at Edison’s Legacy

While the book does touch on Edison’s biographical background, the focus is not solely on the electric chair. In fact, the book spends more time on the historical rivalry between Edison and George Westinghouse. This so-called “War of Currents” played a crucial role in shaping the modern electrical world, with Edison promoting his direct current (DC) system while Westinghouse championed alternating current (AC). The author delves deeply into this fascinating battle, which is far more complex and intertwined with Edison’s legacy than his role in the electric chair.

The Electric Chair and Edison’s Influence

Despite the focus on the War of Currents, the book does offer a detailed discussion on the electric chair—how it was conceived as a “humane” alternative for executing criminals and the role Edison played in promoting it. The electric chair was part of Edison’s strategy to discredit alternating current, which was associated with the method of execution. It’s a gripping and chilling part of history, and the book provides images and descriptions of various execution methods used before the electric chair became the standard.

How Does Edison and the Electric Chair Relate to Metering?

Although the primary focus of the book is on Edison and his inventions, there are a couple of interesting mentions related to metering. One notable figure is Elihu Thompson, a pioneer in metering who is briefly discussed in the context of the electrical industry’s early days. While metering isn’t a central theme of the book, these references provide insight into the technological developments that Edison’s work helped shape.

Would I Recommend Edison and the Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death?

Despite not being exactly what I expected, I would definitely recommend Edison and the Electric Chair. The book offers a deep dive into Edison’s complex character, the fierce competition with Westinghouse, and the unintended consequences of technological innovation. The sections on the electric chair are both chilling and enlightening, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in history, technology, and ethics.

If you’re curious to learn more about Edison’s darker legacy and how his innovations changed the world, check out Edison and the Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death.










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