Simply electrifying The technology that transformed the world, from Benjamin Franklin to Elon Musk

Simply Electrifying is a history of the American electric power industry written for a general audience. Roach, an economist and industry consultant, has a lively, easy-to-read style that keeps the subject accessible, despite the absence of illustrations or diagrams. The early part of the book is biographical and episodic, focusing on great men of science who first investigated electrical phenomena. Here, Roach largely synthesizes previous scholarship. Unfortunately he adopts a simplistic "technology = applied science" approach that underplays the engineers who produce workable systems. Thus, Roach devotes a chapter to Einstein and relativity theory but has nothing on Brush and arc lighting. For many, the last two-thirds of the book will have less interest. Although still organized biographically, the volume's focus is on more mundane topics like the economics of government regulation, the transition from utility monopoly to competition, the impact of federal sponsorship of technologies (nuclear and solar), environmentalism, and recent technologies (fracking/natural gas plants). But this is where Roach's background provides the most original and insightful content. He closes with an optimistic view of the industry, focusing on Elon Musk and his work with Tesla Motors, SolarCity, and SpaceX. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers. --Terry S. Reynolds, Michigan Technological University

*Starred Review* On a windy day in June of 1752, Benjamin Franklin brought electricity to the world. Franklin's singular achievement changed the direction of modern life. Without this technological marvel, life as we know it would not exist. It's difficult to imagine this other version of life, to completely understand the true impact of the discovery of electricity. This book brings to life the fascinating story behind the people who transformed our world with their discoveries. Roach examines electricity's impact from four main angles. First, he looks at Franklin's discoveries and the technologies brought forward as a result of electricity, including the development of the telegraph. Roach also discusses electricity's economic impact, including the ability to distribute and pay for the service by increasing numbers of customers. There is also a look at the impact of electricity on our system of government, including the continuing battle between state and federal regulators. Well written and extremely accessible, Simply Electrifying provides a comprehensive history of this life-changing discovery and is a fascinating and deeply engaging look at how we live today and where we may be headed in the future.--Gladstein, Carol Copyright 2017 Booklist