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Robert Fulton
Robert Fulton didn't actually invent what he is most commonly associated with, yet Fulton's innovations on the steamboat changed America's trade and travel in a progressive way. Readers will enjoy learning more about Fulton and his contributions to American society through easy to follow text and vibrant illustrations.
24 pages, Library Binding
First published December 28, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 27, 2015
This graphic novel biography of Fulton is short enough to be non-intimidating, but covers all the basics. What I especially liked about the book were the inclusion of the influential people in his life. Fulton isn't given credit with accomplishing everything on his own through pure genius or luck; rather, he had powerful sponsors who were willing to refer him to those that might help him in his goals. His acquaintance with Benjamin Franklin led to Benjamin West, which led to Charles Stanhope, and then to Lord Shelburne. Shelburne referred him to friends in France which led to meeting with Napoleon Bonaparte and the first working model of Fulton's submarine being built. While in Paris, he met the American Ambassador Robert Livingston and they began their partnership to build paddlewheel steamships. Visiting England to purchase a larger steam engine put him in the right place to have the English Navy interested in his designs for torpedoes.
While Fulton was very talented as an artist, designer, and engineer - his success would not have been possible without his persistence and the support of many people along the way. This portrayal of his life includes those friendships and contacts, as well as the numerous ventures he pursued along the way. It also takes care to mention that Fulton was not the first to design a steamship, his design simply improved upon the idea and proved that travel on such vessels was economically sound. We can only imagine what he would have gone on to accomplish if he had not become ill and died at the age of 49.
While Fulton was very talented as an artist, designer, and engineer - his success would not have been possible without his persistence and the support of many people along the way. This portrayal of his life includes those friendships and contacts, as well as the numerous ventures he pursued along the way. It also takes care to mention that Fulton was not the first to design a steamship, his design simply improved upon the idea and proved that travel on such vessels was economically sound. We can only imagine what he would have gone on to accomplish if he had not become ill and died at the age of 49.
December 12, 2013
Did anyone else get those little comic books that came with the kids meal @ Capt. D's back in the 80s? This book totally reminds me of one of those. Information is ok, not especially engaging.
And, um...vibrant illustrations, not so much.
This is not what I have in mind when I ask for Graphic Novels, it's just a picture book with frames, no WOW factor...if you got this from Junior Library Guild this month, check out Robert Fulton's cut'n paste hair, it's always the same no matter what direction his head is turned. (As is his face shape for that matter....creepy.)
And, um...vibrant illustrations, not so much.
This is not what I have in mind when I ask for Graphic Novels, it's just a picture book with frames, no WOW factor...if you got this from Junior Library Guild this month, check out Robert Fulton's cut'n paste hair, it's always the same no matter what direction his head is turned. (As is his face shape for that matter....creepy.)
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews