Frank Julian Sprague: Electrical Inventor and Engineer

by William D. Middleton

Frank Julian Sprague invented a system for distributing electricity to streetcars from overhead wires. Within a year, electric streetcars had begun to replace horsecars, sparking a revolution in urban transportation. Sprague (1857–1934) was an American naval officer turned inventor who worked briefly for Thomas Edison before striking out on his own. Sprague contributed to the development of the electric motor, electric railways, and electric elevators. His innovations would help transform the urban space of the 20th century, enabling cities to grow larger and skyscrapers taller. The Middletons' generously illustrated biography is an engrossing study of the life and times of a maverick innovator.

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[M.J. Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a look at the life and patents of one incredible inventor, Frank J. Sprague. This inventor created the multiple-unit system, the electric elevator, the electric street railway, the automatic train control system and many other inventions. This man deserves more accolades and recognition than what he received in his lifetime.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating biography of the fellow who invented multi unit locomotive control, which is the single most important invention in the development of commuter rail and subway systems. MU control allowed subway trains to be made up of ever changing numbers of cars, controlled from either end. Today he is relatively unknown though his son founded Sprague Electric, longtime leader in the capacitor world.

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all the William D Middleton books that I've read but this one was a little weaker than I expected. I suspect that it may be the case where the subject may not have lived up to his billing. Sprague was a smart guy, no doubt, but I have trouble placing him in the same class as Bell, Edison, et al, like his survivors seemed to have tried to do.