This book is meant for the reader who himself possess some knowledge on electrical theory, mechanical ability and the desire to further his knowledge about Nikola Tesla's inventions. Even tough the book addresses some events about the scientist life the narrative is very concise with a quick overview on these occurrences which have been covered extensibly and in detail in other books about Nikola Tesla. I recommend this book to those readers interested in the classical turn of century approach to electrical devices and their applications. Diagrams, plans and the accompanying legends and information abound for those with this interest in mind.

Please do not waste your time with this book.

Yes, it does have many of the "Fantastic Inventions" of Nikola Tesla in it, but there are only pictures of the patent drawings with no explanations offered.

Some facts are present. Some outright fables are present also.

In summary, Mr. Childress cobbled together this book and seeks only to divest you of your money. You won't learn anything of substance.

Instead, purchase and treasure, "Wizard: The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla" by Marc Seifer. See my review for this book.

I found this book to be quite informative and satisfying. The only thing I hate about it, was Ch. 9. It was total nonsense, however, let it not ruin the whole book. It may not go into great detail about all of Tesla's inventions (which was a dissapointment), but for those whom are interested in Tesla coils, mainly how Tesla finally came to such a beautiful invention, I highly recommend this book. The book mainly is about Tesla's experiments with alternate currents of high potential and frequency, which is how the Tesla coil was born.(However, this book does not mention the Tesla coil or teaches you how to make one). It is heavily illustrated with diagrams of Tesla's inventions, which I found pleasing (however, the diagrams arent explained, so do not expect to be able to duplicate any inventions after reading this book ). Overall, this book should not necesscarily teach you all about Tesla's invention (most of them are either briefly mentioned or illustrated), but it would greatly inform you about what Tesla was famous for, and especially act as an excellent introduction to the marvelous work's of Nikola Tesla.

I recommend this book for people who want to get an overview of the man and get straight to the more technical stuff. Just ignore chapter 9.

The book contains a short biographical sketch (1 chapter), many pictures of the patents, two of Tesla's own presentations/papers, and more supporting information. For most of the patents, only the diagrams are reproduced not the legends. This will not be a problem to most anyone with any knowledge of electricity. They can figure out what the various parts are.

The works of Tesla reproduced in the book are a delight to read.

Unfortunately, I guess to make the book more "fantastic", in the last chapter (chapter 9) the author departs from being good information and becomes speculation. It reproduces tired UFO photos from the 50' and 60's trying to connect them to Tesla.

If your research is on Nikola Tesla, the man, you should not pass up the connection with him and the Montok experiments. Check out the book, "The Philadelphia Experiment". It's a fasinating trip into time and the life experiences of Al Beilick. He and his brothers were on that ill fated ship. Nikola was very instrumental in making it all work, but what happen to him? What happened to his private journal? Did our so called undercover Government have something to do with his death? Dig a little and you'll soon see the truth in the conspericies.

This book provides much information of Telsa's patents. AC motor and other apparatus are covered, the bulk of the book pertains to Tesla's "Experiments with Alternate Currents of High Frequency and High Potential" Wireless power and "Death Ray" are critiqued. The other stuff in the book (Atlantis, Mars, saucers, etc.) seems to be almost purely speculative and should be taken with a generous grain of salt. In the end there is a copy of the supreme court documents associated with the demolition of Wardencyffe Tower.

Adam Parker

This book is good for you if you wan't to learn more about Nikol Tesla, but if you are researching his inventions or attempting to build them, it won't help you. For the most part it is a good book it just depends on what you are looking for.