Lives of Boulton and Watt. Principally from the Original Soho Mss. / Comprising also a history of the invention and introduction of the steam engine

Name: Lives of Boulton and Watt. Principally from the Original Soho Mss. / Comprising also a history of the invention and introduction of the steam engine
Author: Samuel Smiles

By Samuel Smiles

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Biographies Engineering & Technology History - Modern (1750+)

About This Book

The volume recounts the intertwined lives and labours of Matthew Boulton and James Watt, using extensive Soho manuscripts and original correspondence to trace their partnership and contributions to the steam engine. It situates their story within a broader history of steam power by presenting preceding inventors such as the Marquis of Worcester, Papin, Savery, and Newcomen, and includes a memoir of William Murdock. Technical minutiae are deliberately minimized in favor of biographical narrative, documentary excerpts, and an account of invention, business practice, and practical application.

About the Author

Samuel Smiles

Samuel Smiles was a Scottish author and social reformer, best known for his influential work "Self Help," which emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and perseverance. Born in 1812, Smiles wrote extensively on the lives of notable figures in industry and engineering, contributing significantly to the literature of the Victorian era. His biographies, such as "Lives of Boulton and Watt" and "The Life of George Stephenson," highlight the achievements of inventors and industrialists, reflecting his interest in the progress of technology and society. Smiles' writings continue to inspire readers with their themes of self-improvement and industriousness.