
From the cramped workshop of a London blacksmith’s son to the bustling laboratory of the Royal Institution, this biography follows a young man's relentless curiosity. With little formal schooling, he teaches himself the language of electricity and magnetism, earning a modest position as a laboratory assistant and impressing senior scientists with his keen observations. The narrative captures his early experiments, the moments when simple demonstrations sparked awe among curious crowds.
As his reputation grows, he becomes a beloved lecturer, known for turning complex ideas into vivid, hands‑on displays that inspire both peers and the public. Yet his drive remains rooted in a quiet devotion to truth rather than personal gain, and his correspondence reveals a gentle, faith‑guided character who valued honesty above accolades. The book paints a portrait of a man whose scientific brilliance was matched by an uncommon generosity, offering listeners a glimpse into the spirit that powered the discoveries that reshaped our understanding of nature.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (258K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2014-09-03
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1865–1929
Best known as an English man of letters, he moved from newspaper work into a wide-ranging literary career that included biography, editing, travel writing, and books for children. His writing has an easy, well-read quality that makes him a rewarding rediscovery.
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