Book Description

Real estate titan, bestselling author, and TV impresario Donald J. Trump reveals the secrets of his success. Over the years, everyone has urged Trump to write on this subject, but it wasn't until NBC and executive producer Mark Burnett asked him to star in The Apprentice that he realized just how hungry people are to learn how great personal wealth is created and first-class businesses are run.

In Trump: How To Get Rich, Trump tells all -- about the lessons learned from The Apprentice, his real estate empire, his position as head of the 20,000-member Trump Organization, and his most important role, as a father who has successfully taught his children the value of money and hard work.

With his characteristic brass and smarts, Trump offers insights on how to:

• Invest wisely
• Impress the boss and get a raise
• Manage a business efficiently
• Hire, motivate, and fire employees
• Negotiate anything
• Maintain the quality of your brand
• Think big and live large

Plus, The Donald tells all on the art of the hair! ... Read more

Reviews (147)

The Worst Book Ever Written
Yes, this is the worst book that I have ever read - I would imagine the worst book ever written. For someone that brags endlessly about being a perfectionist, he should be embarrassed. If you want to spend your money to have Trump brag non-stop and then ultimately learn nothing, this is the book for you. There have to be at least 30 pictures of the guy. He somehow manages, between headings and chapter spacing to add an extra 100 pages to the book. One word: pathetic.

Very good read but not exactly true to its title
This book is everything that you would expect it to be: well written, entertaining, full of insight into Trump and his accomplishments. However, it is missing one essential ingredient: any formula for how to get (financially) rich as the title states/implies. I use the word "imply" as well because the title does not specifically have to mean how to get financially rich. The underlying theme of the book is to find the field you are happy in and work hard at what you do. Of course, that in and of itself will not make everyone financially independent. However, throughout the book Trump continually speaks about the strong relationships he has with not only his family (ex-wives included), but with his employees, who tend to be very loyal to him and the Trump organization. But in the end, I was entertained and enjoyed reading the various stories and loved that each chapter was no more than a few pages, which helps prevent boredom on any particular subject that one may not find interesting.

Attention to detail and seeing the big picture...
Personally, years ago, the first time I read about "The Donald", there was something about him that I really liked - I couldn't actually put my finger on exactly what it was, but there was an instant admiration, and a clear, instinctive impression that he was straight forward, honest and tremendously hard working. A true American character.

Through the media we watched his well-publicised divorce from Ivana, and his near bankruptcy in the realm of 9.2 billion dollars. At that time, particularly here in Australia, we had our own 80's millionaires fall from grace, and the public at large loved every minute of it. As a society, we love to see the mighty fall; it seems to be in our natures. But unlike some of our fallen entrepreneurs, The Donald came back and came back with a vengeance, which was an astonishing feat, and for me, very inspiring. Unlike some of my friends and family, I enjoy watching the reality television show, The Apprentice - its value lies in its believable portrayal of the business world and the skill and personality required to survive in that world. This is what prompted me to read Trump's latest memoir, and without reservation, I was thoroughly impressed.

The book is organized in six parts: Business and Management, Career Advice, Money, The Secrets of Negotiation, The Trump Lifestyle and Inside the Apprentice. One can glean from these pages a wealth of advice to achieve success and potential wealth. This advice is from a man who has succeeded many times over, rising from the ashes of defeat like the proverbial phoenix. The writing style is breezy and chatty, as if you were sitting in front of the man in his office. Some of his anecdotes are entertaining to the point where I actually laughed out loud. My favourite chapter would have to be, A Week in the Life, written in a diary format hour by hour through a five-day week. From this one gets a true picture of the man's immense energy level and genuine passion for what he does every day. In fact I was a little exhausted after finishing the chapter and amazed at his capacity for work. And this is the secret: dogged hard work, attention to detail and grasping the big picture. I believe he would be a hard man to work for because he's such a perfectionist, but the experience would be well worth the time and potential anguish.

Because the writing is simple and flowing, the book can be properly read in a few hours. His advice is practical and can be applied immediately. Reading How to get Rich was absolutely an afternoon well spent. Highly recommended.

Thin gruel
Trump is a fascinating character and great at being a celebrity. He's a big believer in the American Dream, and one can't fault him for that. This book is interesting if you approach it wanting to hear his voice in your head and get a little inspiration to keep moving and working toward your own dreams. If you're looking for specific advice or detailed plans, go elsewhere. This is not a book for deep thoughts.

Great look inside Donald's business dealings
Short, concise, and to the point. That's the way the book is written and that's the way I like it. Get to the point, don't B.S., then move on. The brief sections makes it easy to read and reference. Just like his buildings, the layout and design of this book makes it enjoyable.
I don't believe he's given away all of his secrets, but it's very interesting to see what goes on in the day in the life of Donald Trump. I also beleive he was hamming it up a bit (probably to some perspective clients, lenders, and customers), but that's ok. I wouldn't expect anything less.
The way he describes handling obstacles that cross his path is actually inspiring. It kind of keeps things in perspective. He may deal in millions, but I figure anyone's obstacles can be overcome if they use his processes with dealing with them.
Even if you don't like him, it's fascinating to see how his life works (and that's just the part he let's us see). I, for one, appreciate the doors being open for others. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

A real American success story
"Art of the Deal" is a truly inspiring read. If you are interested in learning how others achieve their success, this is one of the best books to study. Although written in the late 80's, this is one book that will withstand the test of time.

Written in an autobiographical style, each chapter covers a major "deal" in the life of The Donald. The beginning chapters show how he was introduced to the world of real estate by his father, and how Donald Trump went from collecting rent in dangerous neighborhoods to building New York's finest luxury accomodations. Each of the deals is unique and has its own set of interesting contractual problems that Trump works out. Some of his most interesting works are the construction of the Trump Tower, buying casinos, and saving the troubled Wollman ice skating rink.

If you like big business, I definitely recommend "Art of the Deal." This book puts you in the front seat with Trump and allows you to view up close how he turns the pressures of negotiations, contracts, and local politics into an exciting game. You will also find this book interesting if you are familiar with downtown New York, as it has many references to famous areas and buildings.

Million Dollars Deal Making
If you can get past the unabashed self promotions, this is probably the best book by Donald Trump.

It sheds the most insights into his deal making skills and mindset.

If you are a real estate investor and have read a lot of real estate investments books, you will recognize that many techniques that are taught in real estate investment books and guru's seminars are present in his deal making. The difference is that the other books you read are dealing with a house or an apartment and his deals are hundreds of millions of dollar deals.

His deal making rules are simple, yet insightful. Try this rule: Protect your Down sides and the Upsides will take care of themselves. How many people actually follow that? Most beginner Real Estate Investors go out, load up a ton of debt, and buy houses without thinking about any down sides. In this book, you'll see that Trump is actually quite a cautious and very patient guy...and he is somehow geniusly able to get his capital back in some cases that makes it into those infamous "no money down" deals that gurus are always so proud of pointing out. Like i had mentioned earlier...the only difference is that this is a no money down MILLION dollars deal! I think a lot of us DREAM of doing one like that, Trump shows you how he actually DID it.

This book may be a little out of date...but it does show the reader a glimpse of what it means and takes to dream big.

Entertaining story of one of the luckiest guys around
First off, let me just say that The Art of the Deal is an immensely entertaining read, especially for anyone from New York. Trump is obviously an engaging character. So, as an embodiment of Trump's persona, this book is really good.
Donald Trump is certainly a skilled businessman. He offers a lot of advice that is hard to refute given that is seems to have worked quite well for him. Again, he is a real character and a surprisingly likable one at that - although the book seems heavily ghostwritten.
Trump summarizes his success as the result of hard work and a uniquely hard-driving personal style. While that may be true, his rise to success is really a story of some of the most phenomenal luck of anyone I have ever heard of. There are hundreds of real estate developers every bit as ruthless and intelligent as Trump and he fails to credit dumb luck for much of his success; he is, to use the cliche, a person who was spawned on the real estate equivalent of third base and tries to tell you that he's hit a home run every time he scores.
Although his name is still splattered everywhere, he is hardly the prophet that he portrays himself to be. As a construction manager, Trump is probably the greatest who has ever lived. The essential problem of Trump's business "empire" is that his extraordinary management skills, his social savvy, and his astute understanding of the tastes of the nouveaux riche belie a mediocre comprehension of the longer term principles of finance. Eager to build, build, build, it seems that Trump slept through a lot of business school as he seems to think the basic principle that states that a project is only as good as the terms on which it is financed does not apply to him. It is in this delusion of his own uniqueness that some of the more profoundly megalomaniacal elements of his character are visible amid the background of common swagger and bravado. It is funny that Donald Trump is considered by most people in New York as a brilliant businessman but a real jerk. In the end, he seems on a personal level to be similar to what he is on a business level: a man of considerable assets but also staggering debt.
I understand that he's got another book out called "How To Get Rich." May I humbly suggest that Donald Trump is NOT a good person on whom to model a business.

A good look inside the life of Trump
Other reviews have summed up the book nicely. So, short and to the point, I thought the book was a nice glimpse into the life of a successful businessman. Who doesn't want to be successful? Seeing his everyday life and how he handles people, obstacles, and situations allows the reader to form their own ideas on how to acheive success. I'm not talking just about financial or business success.
Some of the stories, I thought, were a little long winded, but I'd rather have long winded good stories rather than short stories making me long for more detail. Trump's got a neat story that many will find interesting.

Awaken the winner inside you
This book is classic Trump. It brings to life the determination, drive and desire of one of the world's wealthiest men. It is inspiring. This book will help awaken "The Winner", "The mogul" inside you. Great book even if you have read Donald's other books. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This warm biography of Harry Truman is both an historical evaluation of his presidency and a paean to the man's rock-solid American values. Truman was a compromise candidate for vice president, almost an accidental president after Roosevelt's death 12 weeks into his second term. Truman's stunning come-from-behind victory in the 1948 election showed how his personal qualities of integrity and straightforwardness were appreciated by ordinary Americans, perhaps, as McCullough notes, because he was one himself. His presidency was dominated by enormously controversial issues: he dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, established anti-Communism as the bedrock of American foreign policy, and sent U.S. troops into the Korean War. In this winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize, McCullough argues that history has validated most of Truman's war-time and Cold War decisions. ... Read more

Reviews (172)

Truman
Truman by David McCullough is a biography of one of our most extraordinary Presidents, Ol' Give 'Em Hell Harry, the man who said, " the buck stops here." Harry S. Truman, who's humble start in rule Missouri, with hard work, determination, and circumstance landed in the Oval Office of the White House.

This is a tale of a man, told warmly with feeling. A story of a man who walked in the shadow of Franklin D. Roosevelt, a man who had to make a choice to use the Atomic Bomb, a man who proved himself, a man of uncommon vitality and strength of character. Reading this book, one gets to know Harry Truman, you feel emotion and see insight as the author sets the story and writes a telling tale.

Harry Truman a man who married later in life because he didn't have the money. His work on the farm gave him strength and dogged optimism in the face of defeat, but much more was to come for Harry. Facing responsibilities such as had weighed on no man ever before and setting American politics and diplomacy, Harry Truman was treading a new age.

The author has mastered Truman in this book, as no other has to date, and it shows throughout this book. This is the life of Harry Truman complete with all of the supporting characters as well... Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin, Eleanor Roosevelt, his wife Bess Wallace Truman, General George Marshall, Joseph McCarthy and Dean Acheson. Harry Truman was responsible for the Truman Doctrine, NATO, the Berlin Airlift and the Marshall Plan, but fired General Douglas MacArthur. "Truman," shows Harry Truman to be complex, thoughtful, peppery when he needed to be and plainspoken.

I really enjoyed reading this biography... like a grandfather telling a story that happened in his lifetime... with understanding and thoughtfulness.

A model biography of an almost model man
David McCullough delivers! Truman is a model biography - in both McCullough's craft and his subject of the epic life of Harry S Truman. McCullough truly creates another universe - a reality that would have existed only in the past, but now fits in your hands in these 1000 some pages. The reader will find him/herself immersed in the history and lives of amazing figures of another age whose actions for which we - citizens of the world are greatly indebted. The reader will both know Harry S Truman and his historical significance - his heroic and at the time highly controversial Presidency.

Truman is both an epic of a man's life and homage to the triumph of American democracy. Truman is a man of humble origins who achieves incredible feats. I urge anyone who stumbled onto this page to "get to know" Truman by reading this book. This book is a joy to read - it flows like a novel. You will not be disappointed.

"I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell."
-Harry S Truman

Buy It and Read It ASAP!!
I first read this book in 1992 when it was released. I've read it over several times since and each time I enjoy it just as much as the first. What a great person and what a remarkable life! This is one book that I can't possibly say enough about. IT'S OUTSTANDING!! Mr. McCullough obviously admires his subject, but he is objective and shows Mr. Truman warts and all. He had very few warts however. BUY IT and READ IT as soon as you can. You won't regret the time spent.

Talks about the right aspect of Truman's career
I admired the book for talking about Truman's friendship with Eddie Jacobson. He and Eddie were business partners in the 1920's and Eddie (a Jewish man) later influenced Truman to help found the modern state of Israel. I am still disappointd as I am also searching for talk about (probably) Truman's other mostly unsung achievement-the firing of Churchill and the birth of modern India and Pakistan. Sadly the book offers nothing about that aspect of Truman's career.

My First Biography
I decided to read this book for two reasons. First, I was/am an avid supporter of Howard Dean, and he often cites Truman as his favorite president, and knowing so little about Truman, I was curious why. Second, practically the only thing I did know about Truman was that he made the decision to use the Bomb, and I was extremely interested in what sort of man it takes to make such a decision.

The book is 992 pages long - daunting to someone whose only other 500+ page read had been Lord of the Rings.

But I found each page interesting and riveting. Never did I find it slow or dull. I had no idea how much impact the Truman administration had on the country and the world. Not only the Bomb, but the start of the Cold War, the Korean War, the first push by a President for universal health care, the first push by a President for equal civil rights. Truman, an ordinary farmer from western Missouri, is the absolute example of the American dream.

The book also answered both of my questions. The similarities in Truman's approach to politics and his agenda with Howard Dean's campaign for the presidential nomination are uncanny. And, to my surprise, Truman was not at all the sort of man I imagined making the decision to obliterate Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

I feel like I've learned more from this one book than I learned in 17 years of schooling. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Was he taking a nap on this one?
Any book Trump pens is a good investment, and in this his second offering, he tells stories, names names, and provides worthwhile insight. But compared to The Art of the Deal and his third book, The Art of the Comeback, he seems to have done this one lying down. There is significantly less material, fewer hot scoops, and less of the bottom-line rhetoric Trump has made his style.

Good insight
Who knows more about Trump than Trump himself? This is a good book if you want to know more about Trump. At times he is sincere; like when he tells of the various disadvantaged people he has helped. At times he sounds really fake; he mentions how he admires the courage of gamblers. That is alot of boloney. At times he is boastful; the Trump Princess is the best yacht ever built. But hate him or love him, he says it like it is. He seems very vindictive as evident with his numerous attacks on some very famous people throughout the book. But for those who are his friends, he has nothing but praise for them. He doesn't play politics, but what he does do is make deals and makes a whole bunch of them in this book. One of the recurring themes of the book is to wait for the right price even if it means giving it up and not to let emotions dictate the price. In many instances, the deal comes back to him and at an even better price than ever.

ALWAYS INTERESTING!
OK, so he is egotistical. That doesn't change the fact that his life makes for really interesting reading - in fact, he is an amazing man, whether you like him or not. This book is about "surviving at the top" and he should know! He wouldn't have gotten to where he is, if he did'nt know how to survive.
I love any books on Trump - they are always interesting and easy to read, because he just tells it like it is.

Trump: Surviving at the top
This was a great follow-up to a true story. When you've reached the pinnacle, everyone attacks.

yuck
Donald Trump is as shallow as a rain drop, with an ego the size of Half-Dome. It's not an admirable, mix, and it's a mix that comes across on every one of these pages. I was especially apalled at the way he dismissed Mick Jagger, and is snotty toward him, saying the Rolling Stones were jealous when the press paid more attention to Trump, when they played one of his casinos. Trust me, it's Trump who was feeling jealous of them. And Trump should remember that businessmen are not remembered through history. Artists (and military men) are, and the Stones music will be listened to, and Mick Jagger long remembered, long after Trump is long forgotten. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Donald Trump doesn't pull any punches when he surveys the American political scene: Pat Buchanan's "totally lost it," Al Gore is "an able, underrated man who seems confused," and Bill Bradley is simply a "disaster." But the real estate tycoon has some ideas of his own about how the United States should be run, and he shares them with the potential electorate for the 2000 presidential race in The America We Deserve. There aren't too many surprises here: Trump lambastes the government bureaucracy that's made a mess of the civic infrastructure, particularly the public school systems; he supports creating opportunities for business developers (both large and small); and he's tougher than tough on crime. He's also prepared to come down hard on America's enemies abroad, such as China, North Korea, and Cuba. Among the more interesting aspects of his platform is his desire to do away completely with soft money in campaign financing and allow unlimited personal contributions--along with full disclosure of political contributions, updated daily on the Internet.

The America We Deserve is an effective combination of Trump's straight-shooting personality and policy-wonk data points. As another American presidential campaign heats up, Trump raises issues that will force voters to give serious consideration to what they want in a candidate. --Ron Hogan ... Read more

Reviews (13)

ANY book by TRUMP is a great investment!
In his previous book, Trump: Art of the Comeback (1997) -Donald stated it would be his last. It's good to see it isn't so. Thisman knows how to communicate any topic with concise and intelligent rhetoric. Trump doesn't banter and waste the reader's time (or money) by talking nonsense. He's not out to impress the reader. This book is simply a straight-forward view of our country's current issues, where it might be headed, and what would be the best route to take. All of Trump's books are not only worth reading, but owning. If you can get a hold of Trump: Art of the Deal, Trump: Surviving at the Top, and Trump: Art of the Comeback -- buy them! You'll have a better understanding and appreciation of his political logic in Trump: The America We Deserve. END

DONALD TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT
I am not an American citizen but, I have always been interested in why some people succeed and what they have done to be successful. Well, in reading Donald Trump's book I came away with a clear understanding (I have read his other boks as well)why Mr. Trump is a very successful man. First, he is a take charge guy. When there are problems he meets them head on. The impression you get in reading his book is that of a man who dosn't like problems to fester. He likes to solve things right away in the most efficient manner possible. Moreover, he is a realist, which is to mean that he faces facts. This can be seen in his chapters on The Safe Streets We Deserve, The Foreign Policy We Deserve, and Freedom From Terrorism. He tells things exaclty the way they are. Another characteristic of Donald Trump although this may seem obvious is that this is a very serious man. He cares about his country. He is a very results oriented person who wants to succeed. You can see this throughout the whole book. Personally, I found the book very interesting, reading it more from the point of view of analyzing his personality. I've come away concluding that this is one very tough man, who is very smart, no-nonsense, with the attitude of "lets get down to business and do what has to be done." And to top it all off, he knows people. He seems to have the instict or talent to hire the right people around him. A very important trait for any successful person to have. It seems to me, he would make quite a President.

Classic Trump prose mixed with logic and wit
It's about time a guy like Donald Trump published this book. Whether you love him, hate him, or want him to fix his hair, The Donald presents fresh takes on age-old arguments and explains why he has what it takes.

While every other candidate in 2000 was writing books about their youths, military service, or whatever else, Trump uses his get-down-to-business style to attack issues (and people) and offer quick-witted solutions. The fact that I disagree on a few points does not take away from the quality of the book. If you want a straight-shooting tome from a guy who takes care of things himself, The America We Deserve is a must-read.

Trump beat Gore and he didn't even run!
According to surveys taken at that time, Trump was ahead of Gore and just behind G.W.Bush. No doubt if Trump would have run, Gore would have blamed him too!

After reading this book (actually re-reading) I really wish Trump would have run for President. He has some very good views on how to make this country stronger and certaintly would b e a better choice than the comedy team (RE: Democrats) that are running.

I particularly like Mr. Trumps ideas on how to save social security.

Mr. Trump, if you are reading this, you should consider running in 2004. Mr. Bush could use some real competition. Obviously right now, he doesn't have any. Your views could make for a stronger America.

Interesting Book
Very good book by Trump. I didn't agree with all of Mr. Trump's views but this book was very well written. Unfortunately, Trump did not run for president. It would have been intersting to hear more of his interesting politcal views. I'm not sure though that a country should be run the way that a billion dollar corporation is run. Overall, Trump wrote a very good book and he deserves to be applauded for it. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A Truman Biography With A Different Twist
"Plain Speaking" is a Truman biography with a different twist.Based on interviews of Truman by Merle Miller in preparation for an anticipated television series, it is expressed, largely, in Truman's own words.As such, it is as Truman saw himself and the world.

Arranged chronologically, the reader is taken through this remarkable life, the challenges Truman faced and his views on issues and personalities.On these pages we readTruman's uncensored opinions on MacArthur, Ike, Marshall and generals in general, Dean Atcheson, Richard Nixon, the presidency and a host of other topics.Here we learn his conviction that the U. S. has never had a crooked president and that "The only thing new is the history you don't know."

There are other, better, first biographies to learn the facts of Truman's life.Turn to "Plain Speaking" to meet Harry Truman.

Candid and Engaging Biography
This candid biography was drawn from never-aired TV interviews filmed in early 1962 when former U.S. President Harry Truman was 77 and retired nine years.Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) had character, courage, and strong views, as is evident on each page.Truman provides straight answers to questions about his childhood, military service, and days as County Administrator, Senator (which Truman liked best), and President (1945-1953).Truman easily discusses tough issues like dropping the bomb on Japan, the Marshall Plan, and Korea.He praises associates Omar Bradley, Dean Acheson, Herbert Hoover, and especially George Marshall.He also shows scorn for wealthy special interests, Douglas McArthur ("Mr. Brass Hat"), Dwight Eisenhower ("difficult"), Richard Nixon ("Shifty-eyed...Liar"), and sees President Kennedy as capable but too young.Truman lacked a college education, but we see how his prolific reading in history and literature proved invaluable.The author/interviewer speaks with some of Truman's friends and relatives, but no critics, and he seldom challenges the President's responses as a good interviewer occasionally must.As a result, this highly engaging book is a bit thin and one-sided.

Merle Miller (1919-1984) admitted that during the course of these interviews he went from Truman skeptic to fan.This is an engaging and revealing look at one of America's better President's.

Most Under-rated President in American History
Merle Miller takes us through a "blow-by-blow" account of actual conversation with not only Mr Truman, but with those close to him.From his times as a businessman during the Depression thru his times as a judge, on to his appoiintment as Senator, right on to the Presidency itself.It changed my life!

A Fascinating Look at the words of a President
A compilation of interviews with President Truman originally intended for a television series, _Plain Speaking_ offers some interesting insights into the mind of Harry S Truman.I'm not sure this is necessarily a good thing, as Truman was a man of strong convictions who had little patience for those with opposing views, based on his own words.

That doesn't hurt the book, however, as presumably the reader is looking to learn more about what drove Truman.But Merle Miller's severe case of hero-worship of the President does tend to get grating, as it would appear, based on this book, that Miller believes the country would have been better off to elect Truman President-for-Life, because he apparently could do no wrong, and Miller wants to be sure the reader understands this.Miller's hagiography aside, however, the book's primary focus remains on Truman's words, and those are well worth reading.

You may not consider Truman a great President or even a great man after reading _Plain Speaking_, but it will be hard not to respect Truman's willingness to say what he thought.Anyone looking to understand Harry Truman should start here, to hear things in his own words.

a strange book
Shipwrecked at my parents' (without my own stuff), I have been time-travelling in their library. This is an odd gem -- originally conceived as a David Susskind TV show, then printed as a Watergate antidote -- and a compelling read.

I can't speak to the issues of authenticity on this quote here and that quote there. Most in my generation formed their opinions of Truman during the Cold War, which forced us to pigeon-hole the man in categories that have not withstood the test of time.

Was he ready to become President in 1945? I think this book will convince you that he was, that this country was well-served by Roosevelt's peculiar anointing.

Truman didn't like Ike. He never forgave him for not defending George Marshall from the McCarthyites; plus, Ike cut Truman completely out of the loop (as FDR did Hoover). This was a personal thing, and Truman carefully avoids undercutting the policies of his successors.

Truman was a student of the Presidency. He held the office in high regard. In this fact lies the secret of his stepping into FDR's shoes, swiftly and with assurance. Quite an original. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Tesla better at inventing than writing
Mr. Tesla should have let someone else write his biography. Granted he was at his peak in the early 1900's, but much of the information he gives out about his life, especially his childhood years, is truly unbelievable - not in a good way.

Very Personal
This is a very personal look at this inventor's life. Unlike many other biographies this autobiography tells us specifically what Tesla's reason were. Tesla also tells many very personal and insightful stories about himself. Many other works site this one because of its invaluable reference. Tells much about the inventor in abridged way.

Look Into Tesla's Mind
In this book, Tesla himslef explains the inner workings of his mind. To me, knowing how he actually came up with his inventions is the best any Tesla book could possibly get.

The title describes it - Not My Life - My Inventions
The introduction material in this book written by Ben Johnston is well prepared, informative, and brief. It is a good introduction to the rest of the book which is Tesla's writing.

Tesla's own words can be tedious, but hey the language has changed a bit in the last 100 years. He takes a few rabbit trails and talks much of his inventions not what he thinks and feels. I would really like to know why he liked pigeons so much but he never says. What Tesla doesn't say, gives us insights to what is important to him. No serious study of Tesla can neglect this work.

For a more in-depth historical biography of the man see, Margaret Cheney's "Tesla, Man out of Time". ISBN 0-88029-419-1

The real Tesla.
Mr. Johnston's introduction does more to explain Nikola Tesla than anything I've seen to date. In freeing him from much of the popular myth, Johnston allows Tesla's genius to reveal itself. ... Read more

Book Description

The suppressed inventions of Nikola Tesla in clear English and 42 illustrations: disk turbine, Tesla coil,high-frequency lighting, magnifying transmitter, wireless power, free-energy receiver... ... Read more

Book Description

In Tesla: Man Out of Time, Margaret Cheney explores the brilliant and prescient mind of one of the twentieth century's greatest scientists and inventors. Called a madman by his enemies, a genius by others, and an enigma by nearly everyone, Nikola Tesla was, without a doubt, a trailblazing inventor who created astonishing, sometimes world-transforming devices that were virtually without theoretical precedent. Tesla not only discovered the rotating magnetic field -- the basis of most alternating-current machinery -- but also introduced us to the fundamentals of robotics, computers, and missile science. Almost supernaturally gifted, unfailingly flamboyant and neurotic, Tesla was troubled by an array of compulsions and phobias and was fond of extravagant, visionary experimentations. He was also a popular man-about-town, admired by men as diverse as Mark Twain and George Westinghouse, and adored by scores of society beauties.

From Tesla's childhood in Yugoslavia to his death in New York in the 1940s, Cheney paints a compelling human portrait and chronicles a lifetime of discoveries that radically altered -- and continue to alter -- the world in which we live. Tesla: Man Out of Time is an in-depth look at the seminal accomplishments of a scientific wizard and a thoughtful examination of the obsessions and eccentricities of the man behind the science. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

THE Definite Tesla Biography
The best biography written on one of the most amazing men of the 20th century, or perhaps of all-time.

Nikola Tesla was one of the world's greatest inventors, and definitely its most mysterious. To say that Telsa was ahead of his time is putting it rather mildly. Most of his inventions were so advanced that the public had a difficult time grasping just how important they really were.

Although Marconi is often credited with the invention of radio, the real credit goes entirely to Tesla. A long-running battle between the two ended when American courts essentially invalidated Marconi's radio patent, and awarded credit for the invention to Nikola Telsla.

In addition to radio, Tesla also invented Alternating Current (AC), which is the form of electricity used to deliver power to most homes and businesses on earth. He also patented hundreds of other inventions, many of which are in use today. Others are yet to be understood by modern scientists.

Probably just as fascinating as Tesla's inventions was Telsa himself though. He was the original, real-life "mad scientist", and often discussed his invention of the "death ray" with the popular press. The world has never seen an inventor the likes of Nikola Tesla, and may never see one again. This book is a fascinating look at an amazing individual.

Awesome
A required complement to "My Inventions: the autobiography of Nikola Tesla", this book shows what a single man is capable of accomplishing.

This book isn't just for people interested in science and technology. It describes the character of a man of brilliance equivalent to Newton, Faraday or Einstein, who through his research forever changed how we think and live.

Due to his modesty, secludedness and research without economic interests, he didn't get nearly as much publicity as Thomas Edison, his American counterpart. Later during his life his extremely revolutionary ideas labeled him as a lunatic, which further compromised investments in his research. Once a millionaire due to a royalties from Westinghouse, his careless spending in expensive research and his generosity toward Westinghouse in a time of economic hardship eventually made him penniless, a condition in which he died.

Tesla has hundreds of patents in his name, including the radio's, which _to this day_ is still incorrectly attributed to Marconi. Many of his patents were classified by the military and are still secret. Yet Tesla rarely has any mention in physics textbooks.

Get the book and know that truly Tesla was a Man Out of Time. His accomplishments and his exemplary character shouldn't be forgotten.

Disappointing
Already knowing something about Tesla's eccentric character I was excited to read this book. However, I soon found it confusing, poorly writen, and very easy to put down. Tesla himself is an interesting character who perhaps doesn't get the credit he deserves and his story should be told. He was largely responsible for our advances using alternating current, better understanding of electricity, and he also produced many other inventions. Some of his inventions fell more to the theoretical as opposed to practical side but there can be no doubt that he was a veritable intellect. The problem with Cheney is the book focuses too much on other people instead of Tesla and very little in the way of describing the history of Tesla as a man or of Tesla's character is expounded upon in this book. Instead we are given a bunch of little episodes about Tesla interspersed with droning technical detail. This was supposed to be a biography and not a technical journal. As an example allow me to post part of one of her paragraphs:

*The relevance of ball lightning to fusion research has to do with the problem of confining plasma. The heart of the most common type of experimental fusion reaction involves taking isotopic hydrogen gas and both accelerating and superheating it until the hydrogen nuclei fuse to make helium nuclei, releasing, in the process, staggering amounts of energy. Along the way, while the hydrogen is being charged with vast amounts of kinetic and thermal energy, it enters an imperfectly understood material state known as plasma*

Now, boy doesn't that make for compelling reading! Besides these rather boring technical interludes the book does have a middle section with photographs and smidgets of insight which help prevent making the book a complete waste. Perhaps, most irritatingly to me was the way Cheney was disorganized and bounced around in time. It was hard to tell if she was talking about the younger or the older Tesla and if she was discussing something that already happened or that was occuring later in his life. Anyway, this is a shame because Tesla is without doubt someone worth studying but based on the things I've mentioned I would have to suggest a different biography.

More than an inventor!
After reading this book, the whole way of understanding what the human mind is changed for me.

One of the most important things I have ever read in my life came from this very book, when Tesla is quoted saying this:

"Nothing enters our minds or determines our actions which is not directly or indirectly a response to stimuli beating opon our sense organs from without. Owing to the similarity of our construction and the sameness of our environment, we respond in like manner to similar stimuli, and from the concordance of our reactions, understanding is born. In the course of ages, mechanisms of infinite complexity are developed, but what we
call "soul" is nothing more than the sum of the functionings of the body. When this functioning ceases, the "soul" ceases likewise."

As you can see, this book is so much more than just about some inventor and his amazing gadgets that created sparks!

My second favorite quote from this book is this:

"There is no conflict between the ideal of religion and the ideal of science, but science is opposed to theological dogmas because science is founded on fact. The universe is simply a great machine which never came into being and will never end."

Here we can see Tesla was way before his time knowing back then what most scientists today don't know.

This book really shows you a man born way before his time.

An insightful and well written book
Tesla was an fascinating but often overlooked historical figure His inventions are still the basis of all major electrical power systems around the world. His later work often seemed fanciful/extravagent though -- perhaps prone to hyperbole in order to attract investors, he seemed to be facinated by very high voltage electricity. This books does a fine job of summarizing the character and work of "the great man" and reveals many -- but not all -- of the mysteries surrounding him.

Recommended to those interested in history, invention, engineering or science. ... Read more

Book Description

On the hugely successful hit reality TV show The Apprentice, Donald Trump tells his contenders that location and pricing are supremely significant. But in his own life, there have been other maxims: Do whatever it takes to win. Don't spare the chutzpah. Always use the superlative. Make everything into an advertisement for yourself. Whatever happens, always claim victory. Following these personal commandments, he has turned bragging, self-inflation, and showing off into competitive advantages that have brought him national and international renown.

In Donald Trump: Master Apprentice, best-selling author Gwenda Blair recounts a true-life history with more twists and turns than any television producer could possibly imagine. Towering skyscrapers and glittering casinos, a luxury airline and a football-field-size yacht, steamy affairs and bitter lawsuits, near bankruptcy and stormy feuds -- all this and more are part of the life of Trump.

An adaptation and update of her definitive biography, The Trumps, this new book provides fresh material on Donald Trump's brushes with bankruptcy, mammoth construction projects, and ever-expanding place in American life. Drawing on recent interviews with the celebrated real estate magnate, his associates, his rivals, and contestants from his television show, Blair offers new insight into the man who seems to have it all. For the first time, we also get a glimpse of the person who will ultimately decide the fate of the Trump brand: Donald Trump, Jr., the real-life apprentice who hopes to put his own imprint on his father's empire. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Re-packaged and updated, in order to ride the wave
Everybody and his brother wants to ride along on Donald Trump's current wave of popularity. During the past year, we've seen books appear by Apprentice-candidate Amy Henry, first Apprentice winner Bill Rancic, board-room colleagues Carolyn Kepcher and George Ross, and naturally, several business / autobios by Trump himself.Now in early 2005, we have two new Trump biographies:this title, and "No Such Things as Over-Exposure," by Robert Slater.But this one isn't entirely new.It's based on a longer book that Gwenda Blair released in 2000.

"The Trumps: Three Generations that Built an Empire" was a much thicker volume, divided into three equal sections: the first for grandpa Friedrich Trump's immigrant story, the second for father Fred Trump's rise in New York real estate, and the last for son Donald's takeover.Several glossy pages of photos were included so that we could see the family grow and change along the way. In "Master Apprentice," Blair used her previous work as a foundation.She stripped the Friedrich and Fred sections away, condensing more than 200 pages into an interwoven 6-page introductory backstory.She eliminated the photos.She kept the same chapter titles and structures for Donald's section and added a final 16-page chapter that covers the last five years, chronicling the Atlantic City bankruptcy and the tremendous fame surrounding "The Apprentice" TV show.The last four pages turn the reader's attention to Don Jr. and predict his own beginning success.While much of the original text remains the same, Blair should be given credit for retooling and refining some of the initial writing and adding new details where they are pertinent.The final outcome doesn't look or read like a slapdash piece, and it's not a carbon copy of "The Trumps."

Blair's work stands apart from the other books mentioned because of the substantive detail she's gleaned about every Trump deal ever made.(It's appropriate that many negotiations hinge on the Atlantic City properties, because the facts read like a never-ending Monopoly game gone tremendously awry.)Her research is exhaustive and her bibliography, extensive.She spoke to hundreds of individuals, though seemingly, not to Donald Trump himself.The result isn't a glowing account of its main subject but is about as neutral as it can be. The reader is left to decide whether Donald will ultimately ride off into the sunset with a white hat or a black one covering that signature coiffure.Given his drive to be the best and to have only the best, we know at least that the horse would be the fastest, the Stetson would be the largest, and they would both cost more than the average American's annual salary.

Read this book (or its predecessor) first.It will provide perspective for the rest of the titles in the Trump / Apprentice canon. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A Truly Great Book
I grew up in Jamestown, OH. We lived on St. Rt. 72 also known as Simon Kenton Trace. This is the area of Tecumseh and Blue Jacket. My Dad bought this book for me when I was in junior high. I read it, then re-read it often wondering why Simon Kenton didn't get the same treatment in history as Daniel Boone, Davey Crockett and others. If you are from SW Ohio it should be required reading. If you love American history you should read this book. I highly reccomend this book and will be digging for my old copy to read it again, soon.

Great Tale of the Eastern Frontier
I love this book! Eckert's classic tale of Simon Kenton and settlement of the Ohio Valley is a must read for anyone interested in the history of the United States. This book was recommended to me after reading Eckert's "Dark and Bloody River". It is exciting, highly engaging, and historically detailed. The notes at the end of the book are a novel by themselves. The story of Kenton, Boone, and the Kentucky settlers is truly amazing. It has often been said that this should be required reading in high school and I can't help but agree. Eckert's books take place in a time and place nearly forgotten by modern Americans. Children raised on the old "Cowboys and Indians" westerns never learn that there was a whole other "West" on the Eastern frontier and the Northwest Territory. I grew up in Ohio, and I never learned about many of the events that happened in my own back yeard until I began reading Eckert! Many people are surprised to learn that there were a number of very bloody and significant battles during the Revolutionary War west of the Appalaichans, right here in Ohio in fact. A whole chapter of our history is being forgotten, but luckily, Eckert's books help to prevent that.

The Best, Most Engaging American History Book
Except for the Holy Bible, THE FRONTIERSMEN, by Allan W. Eckert, is the best book I have ever read! A few years ago, I had the high privilege of telling Allan Eckert that in person.

A Lively and Entertaining History of Ohio and NW Territory
This is the only history book I ever enjoyed reading. It is truly captivating, so be prepared to lose some sleep before you are through. Consider getting maps and pens ready to follow along on Simon Kenton's amazing adventures. I intend to retrace some of the journeys on my motorcycle, as the footnotes give modern place names and the landform descriptions are detailed enough to let you find exact positions for most important events.

Re-live colonial AMerica
Would you like to know what life in 18TH century America was like? Read this book, as well as the other Allan W. Eckert narratives. Eckert is a masterful sotry-teller, who's writing takes you back to the days of colonial America. I have read all of the narratives and am on my second go 'round. Eckert pulls no punches in his discriptions and can get a little "bloddy" in places, but, history proves these were rough and dangerous times and many of the described incidences are based on first hand accounts and actual events. Don't like history? You will after reading these books! ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Very accurate, the most comprehensive book on N.Tesla
Marc did great job covering life and work of Nikola Tesla, a serbian-american inventor who made great contributions to modern science and engineering. Book covers all of the important aspects of Tesla's inventions and scientific discoveries. It covers the broader historical background and explains the importance of Tesla's work to a great detail. It is also very good at explaining "mysteries" surrounding Tesla's personal life. It presents Tesla both as one of the greatest scientist ever as well as a human being. This book is so good since it makes the right balance between technical information (very accurate, with rich bibliography) and Tesla's personal life and social interactions. Therefore it is interesting for both serious scientists who would like to learn from Tesla's work as well as for general population who would like to learn about this extraordinary personality.

Overall, this is the number one book on Tesla so far. The best starting point and reference regarding Tesla's life and work.

Superb Biography of a Man ahead of his Time
Seifer's comprehensive look at Nikola Tesla is unexpected. It is neither dry, formulaic or predictable - even for those familiar with the enigmatic genius. Simply put, it is fascinating, exciting reading. Tesla was credited with the invention of modern AC power generation, remote control, fundamental advances in radio, wireless voice- and data-transfer, the first laser, advanced flight concepts, and a myriad of other inventions. Yet he died without ever achieving the financial rewards one would expect for a man who was truly ahead of his time.

Taking advantage of ill-defined intellectual property laws and the vagaries of international court systems, other well-known inventors such as Pupin, Marconi, and Steinmetz either "borrowed" his discoveries or helped write him out of the history books. While many rode Tesla's coattails to public recognition and, often, staggering financial success - the great man was left penniless and alone.

Seifer pulls no punches. Tesla made a series of startling gaffes. From ill-conceived contracts with Westinghouse (leaving him with no ongoing revenue from his discovery of the AC polyphase system) to poor management of critical projects backed by J.P. Morgan, Tesla disappointed his financiers time and time again. Lack of prioritization, spinning off in too many directions simultaneously, poor project management - all contributed to Tesla's inability to achieve the breakthrough he needed (and deserved) for true financial independence.

Seifer covers Tesla's life in exceptional detail. His bizarre work habits (often sleeping only two hours a night), his odd social life (never married and apparently a lifelong celibate), and his many other idiosyncrasies are described with fascinating anecdotes. You don't need to be an Electrical Engineer, or a Scientist, or even technically savvy to thoroughly enjoy _Wizard_. In a nutshell: superb.

This was AWESOME!
If anyone has ever been interested in a the fascinating inventions of Tesla, this book will satisfy this interest and do so much more. It tells of his intellectual genius, and egotistical and financial failings. Tesla was his best and worst enemy, and this book does a nice job of proving both points. A really interesting read, with no slow parts as you might think. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

About time for the Facts.
Bravo, Bravo.
What a great find. I have been through this book twice and still find myself overwhelmend by the accomplishments of Tesla. The Author was detailed and objective in his writing. Considering the family ties he writes about. What I especially found interesting is the later chapters, addressing the so called occult theory's about Tesla and his works. For the most part, he laid them to rest. Again Bravo! However I am a bit disapointed that there wasn't more on his Invention's and Patent's. I was hoping for a detailed list or drawings on his invetion's. Still, the pictures and accounts of his life, is one of the best I have seen. Over all a must to read.

Good Profile
This is a well written piece of work by Seifer. It is not as detailed an autobiography as say Cheney's "Tesla: Man Out of Time" but if offers many other aspects that other works do not. What is most beneficial about this read is that the author is a professor of psychology as well as a handwriting expert. This allows him to analyze the habits, writings, and many other idiosyncrasies about Tesla. Another plus is it goes more into detail about Tesla's work than other biographies. A very worthwhile read for future engineers like myself, historians, or people interested in learning more about where many of the devices we use all the time today originated. ... Read more

Book Description

Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower worked more closely between 1945 and 1952 than any other two American presidents of the twentieth century. They were partners in changing America's role in the world and in responding to the challenge of a Soviet Europe, yet they are remembered more for the acrimony that ended their friendship. Both were men of character, intelligence, and principle, and as the nation learned in the 1950s, they could also hold a grudge.

Drawing on letters, diaries, and interviews with close associates, this is the first examination of the warm friendship, bitter rupture, and eventual reconciliation between two remarkable Americans. From the author of The Eisenhowers: Reluctant Dynasty and Dark Horse comes a unique volume focusing exclusively on the relationship between Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman.

Harry and "Ike" grew up 150 miles apart in the heart of America. They met during World War II, when Truman became commander-in-chief after FDR's death. Together they would oversee not only the great Allied victory but also the restructuring of the U.S. military and the reconstruction of Europe. Together they would forge history's most successful alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Their initial relationship was so respectful and warm that Truman offered to step aside in the 1948 presidential election if Ike would agree to run on the Democratic ticket. Preferring to remain out of politics, Eisenhower declined and instead became president of Columbia Uni-versity. Truman helped make Ike a wealthy man by granting him a special tax break for his memoirs. Eisenhower later prepared to remove himself from contention for the presidency in 1952 if Robert A. Taft supported Truman on NATO. But Ike's friendship with Truman would not survive the 1952 presidential campaign, and for nearly a decade the former allies were engaged in an epic feud. It was not until the funeral of John F. Kennedy that the two men put aside their differences and reestablished a semblance of their previous bond.

In exploring the complexity of character, intelligence, and principle, Neal provides a fresh perspective on two giants of the twentieth century, and on the American presidency. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Flawed premise, but brilliant history
Steve Neal's historical biography "Harry and Ike" nearly fails right from the start by building on a premise that is non-existent: the 'close' relationship between Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. It's well known that Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower were never close working partners, even prior to the epic, decade-long feud that began during the 1952 election. It's a stretch to building a book on the premise of such a partnership and Neal does very little support his theory. Harry and Ike were two men who initially had great respect for each other and occasionally worked together on issues of common interest, but otherwise had little to do with one another. The failure to make a case otherwise should have torpedoed this book. What saves it, however, is that, even with the flawed premise, it is a fascinating historical record.

While Neal is unable support his premise, he does an excellent job and revealing the histories and backgrounds of these titans among men. He tracks their lives and developments independently until their disparate paths crossed during the last, mad days of World War II. From there, Neal uses the framework of this supposed friendship to provide informative and interesting accounts of history as it happened during that era. He covers moments like Truman offering to step aside and run as Eisenhower's Vice President in 1948 if Ike were to run as a Democrat (possibly the foundation of Neal's assertion of a 'close' relationship). He covers the major events like the hostile 1952 Presidential election, the beginning of the Korean War, and firing of General Douglas MacArthur. Neal uses these events to show the impact it had on each man and the reactions it prompted.

"Harry and Ike" serves as a good primer for studying the historical events of that time. It has the effect of making the reader want to probe deeper into those events. Reading this book led me to seek out and read the incredible Douglas MacArthur biography "American Caesar". Given that strong historical narrative of "Harry and Ike", Steve Neal should not be penalized too much for his flimsy premise. There's no doubting that it still serves as an effective historical record.

Finally, a satisfactory explaination
Harry was wild about Ike, until Ike gave him hell, sending Harry on a crusade in Illinois. I have read a dozen or so books by and about Harry and Ike, none of which adequately explained the root causes of their falling out or their eventual reconciliation. This book fills that gap. Ike was politically naive, as Harry feared. I agree with the author that Ike would have been a better President if he had followed the advice of more of his friends, including HST, and less advice from his political handlers. This is an excellent book.

Another buddies in history book. We have Napoleon &
Hitler, Hitler & Stalin, FDR & Stalin, FDR & Truman among others.
Some with no connection. Obviously Naploeon didn't know Hitler. I'm kinder that most reviewers. But this was cooperation, not a partnership. The author strains for similarities. They were both poor boys growing up at the same time in mid-America 200 miles apart.
Childish & paranoid come to mind in decribing their relationship after Ike decides to run in 1952. Truman's problem was he idolized generals such as Pershing, Marshall, MacArthur & Eisenhower. He would have stepped aside for MacArthur or Ike if either had wanted to run as a Democrat in 1948. Then he became paranoid that Ike might take him up on it. Ike said he wouldn't run & Truman thought that meant forever. When Ike did run as a Republican to deny Robert Taft the nomination Truman felt betrayed, even though Ike was doing him a favor. He attacked Ike & his character viciously. Of course Ike responded in kind. There were other issues mostly personal. Their foreign policy was seamless from one administration to the next. They basically ignored each other until Kennedy's funeral when they had to sit next to each other. Good history of two great Americans leaders 1945-52 & slightly tarnishing their image after that.

Very light reading about two powerful men.
I had hoped this would be an in-depth exploration of
the inner workings and motivations of Presidents Truman
and "Ike" -what I discovered was a poorly researched, boring
book. It's almost as if Mr. Neal assumed putting both
names on the book's cover would make it a seller. Buyer
beware. You can find more in-depth material on these
men and their times right here on the internet. Also,
it turns out, Mr. Neal received monies from a Truman
Foundation, which is a poor ethical choice on his part, in
presenting a history that the reader assumes is unbiased.
If you like to see pictures of "Harry & Ike" -many which
have been printed elsewhere, you may enjoy "Harry & Ike"
the book. Quite a letdown as to what I expected.

New Information
Steve Neal presents new information from recently released primary source material and demonstrates the ability, integrity and patriotism of Presidents Truman and Eisenhower despite their differences. Few people are aware of their reconciliation, not unlike that of Presidents Adams and Jefferson also mentioned by another reviewer in these columns.
One example of a little gem in the book describes President Truman's anger at Senator John Sparkman, the 1952 Democratic vice-presidential candidate, during that campaign. This volume has many well documented anecdotes that have not been told before and Steve Neal has both an ear and a voice for politics that few possess.
As an individual who has spent most of his life involved in politics and public affairs I found this a fascinating, informative and enjoyable read. My wife and I have chosen to send it as a Christmas/Hanukkah gift this year because of its originality and intelligibility. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

this book is...
i was given this book read it and was sad telling my best friend who understands my fascenation with tesla how bad this book is do not buy this book. if you have access to a collection of patents by tesla so much the better.

Good book for Tesla fans
I found this book to be quite informative and satisfying. The only thing I hate about it, was Ch. 9. It was total nonsense, however, let it not ruin the whole book. It may not go into great detail about all of Tesla's inventions (which was a dissapointment), but for those whom are interested in Tesla coils, mainly how Tesla finally came to such a beautiful invention, I highly recommend this book. The book mainly is about Tesla's experiments with alternate currents of high potential and frequency, which is how the Tesla coil was born.(However, this book does not mention the Tesla coil or teaches you how to make one). It is heavily illustrated with diagrams of Tesla's inventions, which I found pleasing (however, the diagrams arent explained, so do not expect to be able to duplicate any inventions after reading this book ). Overall, this book should not necesscarily teach you all about Tesla's invention (most of them are either briefly mentioned or illustrated), but it would greatly inform you about what Tesla was famous for, and especially act as an excellent introduction to the marvelous work's of Nikola Tesla.

Bad book for lots of money
There is little to respect about this book. If you are looking for factual, organized and informed writing, look elsewhere. I found the conjecture regarding Tesla being an Atlantean engineer, incarnate; and the co-founder (with Marconi) of a city of the future in South America -- well I'm sorry, but who needs this. On the other hand, the photos of UFOs were as good as any I have seen. On the plus side, the copied material (Tesla letters, patents and court transcripts) was interesting.

A fairly good collection of Tesla Material
I recommend this book for people who want to get an overview of the man and get straight to the more technical stuff. Just ignore chapter 9.

The book contains a short biographical sketch (1 chapter), many pictures of the patents, two of Tesla's own presentations/papers, and more supporting information. For most of the patents, only the diagrams are reproduced not the legends. This will not be a problem to most anyone with any knowledge of electricity. They can figure out what the various parts are.

The works of Tesla reproduced in the book are a delight to read.

Unfortunately, I guess to make the book more "fantastic", in the last chapter (chapter 9) the author departs from being good information and becomes speculation. It reproduces tired UFO photos from the 50' and 60's trying to connect them to Tesla.

Know the man and you'll know his work
If your research is on Nikola Tesla, the man, you should not pass up the connection with him and the Montok experiments. Check out the book, "The Philadelphia Experiment". It's a fasinating trip into time and the life experiences of Al Beilick. He and his brothers were on that ill fated ship. Nikola was very instrumental in making it all work, but what happen to him? What happened to his private journal? Did our so called undercover Government have something to do with his death? Dig a little and you'll soon see the truth in the conspericies. ... Read more