Invention

A Life of Learning Through Failure

By: James Dyson

Narrated by: James Dyson

Dyson has become a byword for high-performing products, technology, design, and invention. Now, James Dyson, the inventor and entrepreneur who made it all happen, tells his remarkable and inspirational story in Invention: A Life, "one of the year's most relevant and revelatory business books" (The Wall Street Journal).

Famously, over a four-year period, James Dyson made 5,127 prototypes of the cyclonic vacuum cleaner that would transform the way houses are cleaned around the world. In devoting all his resources to iteratively developing the technology, he risked it all, but out of many failures and setbacks came hard-fought success. His products - including vacuum cleaners, hair dryers and hair stylers, and fans and purifiers - are not only revolutionary technologies, but design classics. This was a legacy of his time studying at the Royal College of Art in the 1960s, when he was inspired by some of the most famous artists, designers, and inventors of the era, as well as his engineering heroes such as Frank Whittle and Alex Issigonis.

In Invention: A Life, Dyson reveals how he came to set up his own company and led it to become one of the most inventive technology companies in the world. It is a compelling and dramatic tale, with many obstacles overcome. Dyson has always looked to the future, even setting up his own university to help provide the next generation of engineers and designers. For, as he says, “everything changes all the time, so experience is of little use”.

Whether you are someone who has an idea for a better product, an aspiring entrepreneur, whether you appreciate great design or a pause-resisting story, Invention: A Life offers you inspiration, hope, and much more.

©2021 James Dyson. All rights reserved. Originally published in Great Britain in 2021 by Simon & Schuster UK. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Inspiring!!

Dyson’s story is amazing - as is often the case with innovators and entrepreneurs. He could have given up hundreds of times - and nobody would have blamed him - yet he didn’t. Stories such as this are a huge encouragement to me!

One of the best founders stories I’ve ever read!

This was an absolutely lovely book. What stands out the most to me is his passion and adaptability. It’s so difficult to be the Founder, keep the company private and still scale the way he’s scaled. Amazing story!

Evolutionarily superb!

This book is an outstanding (not boring) biography, entrepreneurship book and life-philosophy book, as well as an exhilarating introduction to design and engineering. I loved every chapter!

Thank you god! For James Dyson

It’s his chapter on the “Future” that totally sets the stage for all people young and old to stop complaining and blaming others for all the wrong in the world. We are creatures of problem solving and we all need to get to working on solutions as Sir Dyson lives by.

Brilliant and inspiring

Brilliant and inspiring book. Shows how important it is to dare going against the grain.
Also illustrates the importance of daring mighty things, not being afraid of failure, and experimenting a lot.
Admirable and inspiring that Dyson is sharing his failures.

Always a plus that it's read by the author. Although it would've been strange if he had wanted it any other way.

Main and to my opinion only downside of the book is that Dyson is very fond of Claas combines, although I see it more as motivating. 🙂

great to hear from the inventor and founder himsel

lovely to hear the voices of his wife and son. got to know the man behind the biz and inventions. truly incredible his journey. I went out and got a dyson vaccum after listening to his story.

Great look into the Dyson story

Great book, the only thing is the jump in the timeline which is a bit hard to follow on audio.

Inspiring!

Very Inspiring, certainly validates the tribulations every entrepreneur faces. I very much recommend it,… am out looking for my first Dyson.

Inspiring

I read his first book, and bought this as soon as I heard about it. Great listen, lots of wisdom to apply in the building of my own business and the products my team and I create. Thanks for the great insight into your life, triumphs and set backs James. Keep inventing. (And please make a fridge will you? )

A deeply personal and thoughtful look at failure as a springboard for growth

James Dyson and his 5127 prototypes are the fodder of industry legends, yet his modest and simple approach of try-learn try-learn is both timeless and rajah to follow. Well done.