A fascinating, readable and authoritative history of eighteenth century inventions. The great pioneers of the day, most notably Matthew Bolton, James Watt, Josiah Wedgwood and Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles) dined together each Full Moon to exchange ideas and conduct experiments. The crucial developments, such as steam power, are covered with impressive authority but Jenny Uglow also enriches the story with a woman's eye on the family and social conditions of the day.
(Michael Fitzgerald-Lombard - bwl 18 April 2003 ) |
