James Watt: Making the World Anew

by Ben Russell

Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer James Watt (1736–1819) is best known for his pioneering work on the steam engine that became fundamental to the incredible changes and developments wrought by the Industrial Revolution. But in this new biography, Ben Russell tells a much bigger, richer story, peering over Watt’s shoulder to more fully explore the processes he used and how his ephemeral ideas were transformed into tangible artifacts.   Over the course of the book, Russell reveals as much about the life of James Watt as he does a history of Britain’s early industrial transformation and the birth of professional engineering.

To record this fascinating narrative, Russell draws on a wide range of resources—from archival material to three-dimensional objects to scholarship in a diversity of fields from ceramics to antique machine-making. He explores Watt’s early years and interest in chemistry and examines Watt’s partnership with Matthew Boulton, with whom he would become a successful and wealthy man. In addition to discussing Watt’s work and incredible contributions that changed societies around the world, Russell looks at Britain’s early industrial transformation. Published in association with the Science Museum London, and with seventy illustrations, James Watt is not only an intriguing exploration of the engineer’s life, but also an illuminating journey into the broader practices of invention in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

Genres: Biography, History

280 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2014

Reviews

[Douglas Bridger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a bit tedious in its style, with the author trying to get in too many references at the expense of the narrative flowing. I never doubted that Watt covered several disciplines partly because I had read about the Lunar Society before and knew that they all did. A bit surprising that there is not a single reference to that forum. Interesting about his approach to heat and his grounding in instrument making and the fascination in sculpture copying.
Perhaps I needed a more straightforward biography.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

From instrument maker to steam engine pioneer, this book outlines James Watt experience and contributions to the development of the steam engine. The thing that makes this book refreshing is the by-name acknowledgment of Watt's fellow pioneers who have had little said about them in general science and technology history, but without whom, the technology we have today would not exist. This book correctly reminds us that achievements of culture and technology are not the accomplishment of one man or woman, but of many. It is nice to hear about "the one," but refreshing and important to hear about the many others.

[Geoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read. More an intriguing look at the history of engineering through education and development of Watt's skills as a workman. I argue that the creative development displayed in the construction and use of tools is what is lacking in American innovation. Smaller and faster do not create economic growth but replicate what we already have - no growth.