The Industrial Revolution

by Lewis Helfand, Naresh Kumar (Illustrator)

While we all know that large-scale industrialization began in the eighteenth century, the Industrial Revolution truly began in Germany with Johannes Gutenberg and his printing press. His innovation made it possible to mass-produce books, which spread literacy and knowledge all across Europe. It was in the eighteenth century, however, that manual labor started being replaced by what we today know as machines. First in Europe came Thomas Newcomen and James Watt and the steam engine. Then came John Kay and his flying shuttle, which led to the development of the textile industry. Then, in the United States, there was Robert Fulton and his steamboat, and Eli Whitney and his cotton gin. Finally, it was Henry Ford whose mass-produced vehicles made cars affordable to all. The Industrial Revolution continues to this day as formerly less developed countries, especially in Asia, have taken to rapid industrialization to improve their economy. Lexile Reading Level 800L.

Genres: History, Graphic Novels, Science

92 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2017

About the author

The creator and writer of Wasted Minute and 4320, Lewis Helfand is a freelance writer whose comic book credits include the graphic novels Kim, A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth, and The Time Machine for Campfire Comics and the monthly mini-comic The Adventures of Roxy Riley for East Coast Biker Magazine.

His past credits include weekly columns for AskMen.com and InsideHoops.com, as well as monthly features for Exposed Magazine and Rockstar Magazine. Other recent clips include articles for American Health & Fitness, Renaissance Magazine, Computer Bits Magazine, Vicious Magazine, The Funny Papers of Philadelphia, ClubPlanet.com, Food-Writing.com, and Modvox.com.

Reviews

[Apratim Mukherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the fifth graphic novel/history book I have read this year and Campfire doesn't disappoint.The way the story of Industrial Revolution has been told in 84 pages from Gutenberg to Chinese manufacturing is just amazing.The only down side is that the price the colonies paid due to the Industrial Revolution,has not been mentioned anywhere.i think that the writer got carried away by stories of inventors ,so much so that they forgot about colonialism.
Anyways,other than the story telling,the graphics are great as usual(PS:I declare myself as a fan of Campfire).A lot of information about key inventions and inventors are also part of the book.
Its a good read but shows only one side of Industrial Revolution.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sweeping graphic history of the inventors and inventions of the Industrial Revolution in England and the United States. Beginning with the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, this book focuses on inventions and innovations of the 18th and 18th centuries that advanced industry. Includes back matter on the 21st century's "fourth industrial revolution." Pared down realistic illustrations provide pictorial context to the historical events.

The problems? Aside from a black man shoveling coal on the cover, there are no African Americans in this book. There is not even a mention of slavery. Nor is there anything about children working in factories, nor women in factories, or women inventors. These omissions create a huge gap in portraying the changes in society that resulted from the Industrial Revolution.

[Suraj Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational stories. Tell us of crucial inventions which changes the course of history. Good for Adults and children both.

[Sheila Bracken · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the invention of the printing press to modern inventions & current sites of industrial revolution—China & Bangladesh—are shown. I liked seeing the thinking of the inventors & the consequences for displaced workers, but the impact on the environment was not mentioned.

[Kevin Hodgson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting tour of the Industrial Revolution through the eyes of innovators

[Jenn Palomino · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find the industrial Revolution pretty boring to teach about if I’m being honest. This graphic novel made it slightly less boring to learn about.