The Telegraph: A History of Morse's Invention and Its Predecessors in the United States

by Lewis Coe

Samuel F.B. Morse's invention of the telegraph marked a new era in communication. For the first time, people were able to communicate quickly from great distances. The genesis of Morse's invention is covered in detail, starting in 1832, along with the establishment of the first transcontinental telegraph line in the United States and the dramatic effect the device had on the Civil War. The Morse telegraph that served the world for over 100 years is explained in clear terms. Also examined are recent advances in telegraph technology and its continued impact on communication.

Paperback

First published November 1, 2003

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very detailed and referenced documentary of the development of an amazing service, the telegraph. Although many of the details would not interest most people, including me; for example the details of how the inventions progressed and the minutia about how the machines worked.
However, I think everyone would be interested in the vastness of the system, how "portable" it was (e.g. telegraph operators would accompany generals in the Civil War and tap into wires to send information back to headquarters or the President), and how early it was up and running in the history of our country. The first message was sent two years before the Mormon pioneers left Nauvoo for the west (1844)!

[Doc Kinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting out a bit slow, this book steamed onward wonderfully, giving a broad and complete survey of not only the telegraph itself, but the culture as well.

Wonderfully recommended!