
THE BOYS' LIFE OF EDISON
I THE EARLY DAYS OF ELECTRICITY
II EDISON'S FAMILY
III EDISON'S EARLY BOYHOOD
IV THE YOUNG NEWSBOY
V A FEW STORIES OF EDISON'S NEWSBOY DAYS
VI THE YOUNG TELEGRAPH OPERATOR
VII ADVENTURES OF A TELEGRAPH OPERATOR
VIII WORK AND INVENTION IN BOSTON
IX FROM POVERTY TO INDEPENDENCE
A vivid portrait of one of history’s most remarkable inventors, this narrative follows Thomas Edison from his modest childhood through the restless teenage years that first sparked his fascination with electricity. Through the author’s close partnership with Edison, readers hear the inventor’s own voice describing cramped laboratory rooms, endless nights of trial and error, and the gritty determination that turned curiosity into breakthrough ideas. The early chapters reveal how a boy who once tinkered with telegraph equipment and wax‑cylinder phonographs learned to channel his boundless energy into disciplined, purposeful work.
Designed especially for younger listeners, the story balances vivid anecdotes with clear explanations of the scientific landscape of the mid‑nineteenth century. It shows how Edison’s habit of relentless experimentation and his willingness to learn from failure laid the groundwork for the inventions that would later illuminate the world. The book offers an inspiring glimpse into the making of a genius, encouraging listeners to see perseverance as the true engine of innovation.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (375K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Madeleine Fournier. Images made available by the Internet Archive.
Release date
2015-11-21
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

b. 1853
A British-born writer who helped make science and invention approachable for general readers, he is best remembered as Thomas Edison's longtime secretary and as the author of popular books on electricity and Edison’s life.
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