Editorial Review

Three attractive books that share a lively format that could entice young report writers. Each simple biography is illustrated with excellent-quality archival photos, art, documents, and diagrams. There’s a facsimile of the first telegraph message ever sent, a blueprint of one of the Wright brothers’ early biplanes, and a photograph of Ford’s first engine, which powers a light bulb (an explanatory caption would have been illuminating here). Interspersed in the linear texts are ‘Interesting Facts,’ e.g., ‘The one-millionth Ford car was produced December 10, 1915.’ The authors also explore some of the social, cultural, political, and historical dimensions of these inventors’ innovations. Useful additions for students beginning to investigate these men.