The Future Engine: How Science Fiction Impacts Business and Technology and How to Profit from Its Prophets

by Alex Lightman

The future of investing is now. Many people think of science fiction as simply a fantastical distraction for readers, influenced by science but not useful in a practical sense. In The Future Engine, however, technology expert Alex Lightman demonstrates that science fiction has led to some of the most significant inventions known to man, including the atomic bomb, the laser, computers and satellite technology. Indeed, the author's championing of the wearable, wireless computer, whose creation was heavily influenced by science fiction, launched his own distinguished career.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2002