The Lives, Loves and Deaths of Splendidly Unreasonable Inventors

by Jeremy Coller

The lives loves and deaths of splendidly unreasonable inventors is a brilliant analysis of 30 inventors who changed the world. Coller observes that personality type dictates the potential for success in bringing inventions to fruition. Few people have the full package of skills required to make a success of their idea and failure results when an individual who excels in one area of competence attempts to become all things. Coller focuses on the people rather the inventions and the way in which they did or did not succeed in bringing their visions to fruition. On one level The lives loves and deaths of splendidly unreasonable inventors is a collection of fascinating stories; on another level these stories are an unconventional look at the inventive process that created such life-changing products as the telephone, the sewing machine, dynamite, the cinema, the safety razor and vulcanized rubber for tyres. Only historical figures are included, allowing Coller to examine the complete arc of their lives, from early ideas and experiments to success, and often eventual failure. Each of the stories, all of which are personal, colourful and packed with quirky nuggets of information, illustrates a particular aspect of the inventive personality.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Science, History, Popular Science

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2008

About the author

Jeremy Coller is widely recognized as a pioneer and innovator in the world of private equity. His firm, Coller Capital, has invested billions of dollars in over 3000 private companies worldwide. Jeremy is regularly cited in lists of the most influential people in private equity and finance. In 2008 the London Business School created the Coller Institute of Private Equity, and Manchester University named him its Alumnus of the Year. He holds a BSc in Management Sciences from the University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology, and an MA in Philosophy from Sussex University. He attended Carmel College.

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of short biographical sketches of various inventors, including both familiar and lesser known names. Entertaining and full of interesting tidbits, but as one might expect given the length of each individual's section, no room for much depth.

[Faith Chenesai · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read on inventors. It has some typos though.

[Chris Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read. The author brought Thomas Edison out in a light I had never heard before. I was able to take some good notes to share with others.

[Ann-maree · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amazing insight to lives and deaths of these gifted inventors. So many inventions we just take for granted. Some inventors never gained from their inventions and others came about their invention by sheer determination and luck.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

c2009. The title says it all really so no need for the normal FWFTB. The normal inventors are in this book together with a few lesser known individuals. A quick and fascinating read. Recommended.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a book I would usually have picked up but I found it so interesting. Learning about the lives of some of the greatest inventors was fab!!!

[Mari Saar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really interesting read.