• Wizard

  • The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla: Biography of a Genius
  • By: Marc J. Seifer
  • Narrated by: Simon Prebble
  • Length: 22 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (3,949 ratings)

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Wizard  By  cover art

Wizard

By: Marc J. Seifer
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
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Publisher's summary

Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), credited as the inspiration for radio, robots, and even radar, has been called the patron saint of modern electricity. Based on original material and previously unavailable documents, this acclaimed book is the definitive biography of the man considered by many to be the founding father of modern electrical technology. Among Tesla's creations were the channeling of alternating current, fluorescent and neon lighting, wireless telegraphy, and the giant turbines that harnessed the power of Niagara Falls.

©1996 Marc J. Seifer (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Seifer's vivid, revelatory, exhaustively researched biography rescues pioneer inventor Nikola Tesla from cult status and restores him to his rightful place as a principal architect of the modern age." ( Publishers Weekly)

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What listeners say about Wizard

Average customer ratings
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  • 4 out of 5 stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A little monotonous but informative

The narrator did a decent job considering the encyclopedia-like presentation by the author in this bio. He characterized the various voices better than some I’ve listened to.

The author should have spent more time indulging the reader in the physicality of some of Tesla’s inventions. Instead one gets straight-forward and mechanical descriptions. Having finished this book, I still feel distanced from these esoteric creations. A better writer would have made this more vivid and personal.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • C.
  • 05-31-15

A massive, missing part of history

In order to understand the modern world and the world of the future, you MUST at least understand the vision of Tesla.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Tesla was a trooper... he fought to invent

I never knew how under valued Tesla was by most... If he had close friends they would have told him to give up. If he wasn't sure of his ideas being impactful he wouldn't have sought resources... Door after door slammed lack of opportunity yet he kept trying... When all he could live on was his name while being shamed he stayed the course .... inspirational thanks for this audiobook it is a gift to know his story, one that I will listen to over and over I'm sure!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

It’s good

Dude lived a crazy life. Followed his passions to the fullest extent. There were however a lot of side stories in this book. The book was over contextualized but still fun to read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A very rare insight to Teslas real life

Amazing book, I'm 26, thoroughly enjoyed both the book itself and the context in which it was given .

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A very good listen, well worth the cost (or credit

I've listened to a few Tesla bios now and this is the best so far. Well researched and nicely entertwined with relevant factoids from the period. This is one that I'd listen to again.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great history.

I enjoyed the history, but the accent was hard to get get. Some variation in volume. Would be better as a sit down listening experience rather then a travel experience.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

extraordinary life of Tesla

what is crazy how extraordinary in his life
great book gets it slow middle still pretty crazy right

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Missed Opportunities

Would you consider the audio edition of Wizard to be better than the print version?

Yes

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wizard?

Communication with Mars

Which character – as performed by Simon Prebble – was your favorite?

JP Morgan

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Tricked by Marconi

Any additional comments?

I wish I had the talent to invent product that could change the world

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

an excellent, comprehensive treatment of Tesla

you really get to know the inventor. the author shows that he is using historical documents but weaves the story together we'll. very enjoyable performance as well.

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