Thomas Edison?s 1,093 patented inventions include the light bulb, the phonograph, and significant contributions to the fields of photography and filmmaking and to what ultimately would become the national power grid. Edison?s gritty way of persevering?working ?round the clock with many assistants, catnapping on his lab table, trying things over and over again until he finally made a breakthrough?gave birth to the modern research laboratory, where hypotheses are proposed and then tested. Combining lively text, rare period photographs, and Edison?s own words, Delano paints a memorable portrait of this prolific American genius. The foreword by Edison?s great-grandson adds a personal note to this exciting American success story that will spark kids? interest in science and inspire a new generation of inventors.</p>