Well-documented information about this inventor abounds in a readable volume. Aldrich covers Tesla s early life in Croatia, his academic brilliance and social awkwardness, his longterm battle with Thomas Edison over alternating current, his uneasy alliance with George Westinghouse, his chronic financial difficulties, and his personal idiosyncrasies. Photos and sidebars of explanations (not all clear) extend the text. Presents the life and accomplishments of the man who created hundreds of inventions without drawing them out, and is credited with becoming "the true father of the radio."

Croatia -- New horizons -- Edison -- War of the currents -- Going wireless -- Peculiarities -- Alternating current -- Master of lightning -- Wardenclyffe -- Setbacks -- Death ray -- Timeline -- Sources -- Bibliography -- Web sites -- Index.