Publisher's Synopsis
TO BE GREATER THAN MARCONI: THE NATHAN B. STUBBLEFIELD STORY. In this accessible biography, author Tracey D. Buchanan tackles the fascinating tale of Nathan B. Stubblefield (1860-1928), a self-educated fruit farmer and inventor whose lifelong interest in electricity and voice transmission led to early success followed by betrayal, secrecy and, ultimately, bitter poverty. Stubblefield, who has been called by scholars and researchers the Father of Wireless and the Father of Broadcasting, is generally recognized as a raw genius with a peculiar personality. Buchanan recounts Stubblefield's progression from birth to death by including stories of his curiosity, inventions, patents, business ventures, travels, exploitations, demonstrations and exhibitions, supporters and detractors. Married to a great-grandniece of U.S. President James Buchanan, Stubblefield had a large family. His wife and children are part of this story, too -- his son Bernard, for example, was his technical assistant for several years. TO BE GREATER THAN MARCONI concludes with bonus material, including numerous historical photographs and research sources for further study. This story appeals to readers interested in inventors and how they work, telecommunication innovations, and significant contributions by rural Americans. The book also explores perceptions about scientists and artists whose unusual ways of living and working often cause our cultural mainstream to label them odd ... yet in spite of those judgments, their commitment and determination inspire the most talented among us to persevere with their unique and creative work. [TO BE GREATER THAN MARCONI: THE NATHAN B. STUBBLEFIELD STORY is one volume in the Kentucky Hero Series, part of the MotesBooks Think Young Collection. 116 pages with photographs; MotesBooks.com]
