Splendidly Unreasonable Inventors: The Lives, Loves, and Deaths of 30 Pioneers Who Changed theWorld

by Jeremy Coller

Jeremy Coller, a pioneer in the world of private equity, argues that there are three basic personality types in the arena of invention. The Principal, Broker, and Consultant each display certain traits that dictate the potential for success, but few people have the full package. Failure results when an individual who excels in one area of competence attempts to become all things. In Splendidly Unreasonable Inventors, Coller focuses on the individual rather the invention and explores the ways in which he or she did or did not succeed in bringing their vision to fruition. On one level, the book is a collection of fascinating stories packed with quirky, often humorous nuggets of information. On another level, these stories provide an unconventional look at the processes and personalities that created products that changed the world, including: Jonas Salk and the polio vaccine; King Gillette and the safety razor; Alfred Nobel and dynamite; Sam Colt and the revolver; Rudolph Diesel and the diesel engine.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Science, History, Popular Science

229 pages, Hardcover

First published November 28, 2008

About the author

Jeremy Coller is widely recognized as a pioneer and innovator in the world of private equity. His firm, Coller Capital, has invested billions of dollars in over 3000 private companies worldwide. Jeremy is regularly cited in lists of the most influential people in private equity and finance. In 2008 the London Business School created the Coller Institute of Private Equity, and Manchester University named him its Alumnus of the Year. He holds a BSc in Management Sciences from the University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology, and an MA in Philosophy from Sussex University. He attended Carmel College.

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of short biographical sketches of various inventors, including both familiar and lesser known names. Entertaining and full of interesting tidbits, but as one might expect given the length of each individual's section, no room for much depth.

[Faith Chenesai · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read on inventors. It has some typos though.

[Chris Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read. The author brought Thomas Edison out in a light I had never heard before. I was able to take some good notes to share with others.

[Ann-maree · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amazing insight to lives and deaths of these gifted inventors. So many inventions we just take for granted. Some inventors never gained from their inventions and others came about their invention by sheer determination and luck.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

c2009. The title says it all really so no need for the normal FWFTB. The normal inventors are in this book together with a few lesser known individuals. A quick and fascinating read. Recommended.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a book I would usually have picked up but I found it so interesting. Learning about the lives of some of the greatest inventors was fab!!!

[Mari Saar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really interesting read.