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

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)

Tediously long

Any additional comments?

For some reason, I felt compelled to listen to all 22+ hours of it but it was much too long for me! I commend the author for writing such a detailed historical biography. If you are into electrical geeky stuff, and if you like to read about a genius, go for it. I did learn a lot but I am sure glad to be done with it.

Thought provoking

I always wanted to know more about this man. History definitely cheated him of his legacy

In Depth

Very detailed, even going into some of the details of electrical engineering. There were slow points for sure. But it's a biography and not every period in a person's life can be thrilling. I enjoy biographies however, writers tend to turn their subjects into demigods. Not here! The author stays near the center of the road as he steers through Tesla's life. Some how the author connected me emotionally to Tesla's life. So much so that at times I avoided returning to the book for a few days knowing that what was to follow was not going to be parades and roses.

Nice linear autobiography of Tesla

What made the experience of listening to Wizard the most enjoyable?

I liked the history and quotes from tesla given in this book. They add to the story nicely and it is as if Tesla is speaking to ge reader directly.

What other book might you compare Wizard to and why?

Since this is my first book I am not too sure. I am interested in learning theories of the universe so perhaps an audible book from Neil Degrass Tyson.

Have you listened to any of Simon Prebble’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first experience with the reader. He has an older experienced voice. It isn't memorizing but is enjoyable.

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

Just hearing quotes from Teslas thoughts and experiences. I really enjoyed hearing them word for word.

Tesla was clearly way ahead of his time!

This book will teach you that Tesla was so far ahead of his time that he was considered crazy. It will also show you how both corporate American and the Government will suppress brilliance to protect profits and supposedly the American people. Definitely not a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, but it provides very good information about one of the most brilliant inventors of all time who does not receive the recognition that he should. It will make you wonder what Tesla would have accomplished if he could have finished his Wardenclyffe Tower and why others like JP Morgan were afraid of it.

So sad and yet so enlightening

What did you love best about Wizard?

To discover a story that everybody should know. Tesla turns out to be as influential to modern living as any other name you could come up with from the array of geniuses of our past. Probably more.

If you think Mr Edison, Einstein, Newton, Galileo, Marconi or Hertz were "legends", you'll struggle to find a word for Nicola Tesla.

M J Seifer, with his extensive research on the wizard and his associates, does a very good job of uncovering truths before not beheld.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

Mr Prebble's tone and style suits the historical context and general mood of this book very well indeed.

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

Learning of the injustices that Mr Tesla had to face was very touching.

Any additional comments?

After reading this, trust me, you'll be compelled to tell everybody about this man.

My perception on Tesla changed

He was definitely a brilliant mind. The author gives a full an accurate picture of the legendary inventor.

Tesla is so much more than what we casually hear on the streets.

Great stories about a great man

Never stop learning about the people who sought the impossible and always do your own research ✨️

Everything you never knew about Tessla.

Quite well researched and almost painfully detailed account of the man, his research and struggles. I enjoyed it and learned from it, but it was rather long.

just a history of who's who

well narrated, book is basically about tesla being broke and whining to rich people for money. no real technical detail kind of disappointed.