Cover Image

Mad like Tesla : underdog inventors and their relentless pursuit of clean energy

by Hamilton, Tyler J.

Format: Print Book 2011
Availability: Available at 1 Library 1 of 1 copy

Available (1)
Location Collection Call #
CLP - Main Library Second Floor - Non-fiction TJ808.H36 2011x
Location  CLP - Main Library
 
Collection  Second Floor - Non-fiction
 
Call Number  TJ808.H36 2011x
 
 

Summary
Nikola Tesla was the father of the modern electricity system. A man ahead of his time, he was mocked by a scientific community often unable to comprehend the significance of his innovations or the purpose behind his controversial experiments. Tesla, who predicted the threat now known as global warming more than 100 years ago, was labelled a mad scientist in his later years and died a failed businessman. Mad Like Tesla explores some of the latest and most 'out there' energy innovations and the entrepreneurs and academics behind them.
Published Reviews
Publisher's Weekly Review: "Hamilton, energy columnist for the Toronto Star, examines an array of ambitious ideas for alternatives to fossil fuels, such as nuclear fusion, space-based solar power, and man-made tornadoes. Hamilton argues that even if inventors on the fringe fail to develop new sources of energy "they still succeed by leading, by taking risks, by pursuing great leaps, and by keeping open minds when others remain so closed." Hamilton's vivid portrait of some of the people touting new technologies offers insight into why they've had trouble finding mainstream acceptance: one researcher who lays claim to inventing a machine that generates more power than it consumes-considered a scientific impossibility-drew the attention of musician Neil Young who entered a contest to design a car that achieves 100-miles-per-gallon. Hamilton approaches his subjects with an egalitarian bent, but it's not self-evident that a lone scientist's attempt to create a perpetual motion machine should be accorded the same weight as plans for space-based solar power by Solaren-which already has secured a contract with Pacific Gas and Electric of San Francisco. Still, Hamilton isn't interested in forecasting winners and losers as much as arguing that any and all efforts to develop new energy sources will boost the odds of "black swans": unexpected events that "can blindside the optimists and the pessimists alike." (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved."
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Additional Information
Subjects Clean energy industries -- Popular works.
Renewable energy sources -- Popular works.
Energy development -- Popular works.
Inventors.
Publisher Toronto, Ont. :ECW Press,2011
Language English
Description 251 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm
Bibliography Notes Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 9781770410084 :
1770410082
Other Classic View