Status
Available
Publication
Random House Trade Paperbacks (2017), Edition: Reprint, 384 pages
Description
Fiction. Thriller. Historical Fiction. HTML:NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER â?˘ â??A world of invention and skulduggery, populated by the likes of Edison, Westinghouse, and Tesla.â?ťâ??Erik Larson â??A model of superior historical fiction . . . an exciting, sometimes astonishing story.â?ťâ??The Washington Post From Graham Moore, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of The Imitation Game and New York Times bestselling author of The Sherlockian, comes a thrilling novelâ??based on actual eventsâ??about the nature of genius, the cost of ambition, and the battle to electrify America. New York, 1888. Gas lamps still flicker in the city streets, but the miracle of electric light is in its infancy. The person who controls the means to turn night into day will make historyâ??and a vast fortune. A young untested lawyer named Paul Cravath, fresh out of Columbia Law School, takes a case that seems impossible to win. Paulâ??s client, George Westinghouse, has been sued by Thomas Edison over a billion-dollar question: Who invented the light bulb and holds the right to power the country? The case affords Paul entry to the heady world of high societyâ??the glittering parties in Gramercy Park mansions, and the more insidious dealings done behind closed doors. The task facing him is beyond daunting. Edison is a wily, dangerous opponent with vast resources at his disposalâ??private spies, newspapers in his pocket, and the backing of J. P. Morgan himself. Yet this unknown lawyer shares with his famous adversary a compulsion to win at all costs. How will he do it? In obsessive pursuit of victory, Paul crosses paths with Nikola Tesla, an eccentric, brilliant inventor who may hold the key to defeating Edison, and with Agnes Huntington, a beautiful opera singer who proves to be a flawless performer on stage and off. As Paul takes greater and greater risks, heâ??ll find that everyone in his path is playing their own game, and no one is quite who they seem. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST AND THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER â??A satisfying romp . . . Takes place against a backdrop rich with period detail . . . Works wonderfully as an entertainment . . . As it charges forward, the novel leaves no dot unconnected.â?ťâ??Noah… (more)
Media reviews
Booklist
The author of The Sherlockian (2010) presents another twisty historical novel set at the end of the gaslight era. This time the story takes place in a New York City perched on the very precipice of electricity. The book's central focus is on American ingenuity as the basis for commercial success
Show More
and the so-called war of currents waged between ThomasEdison, George Westinghouse, and NikolaTesla over the creation of the lightbulb. Paul Cravath, the brilliant but inexperienced lawyer hired by Westinghouse to countersue the pugnacious Edison for copyright infringement, unscrupulous behavior, and even violence, provides a first-person perspective. Legal battles and the rancor between scientists drive the pace, while a curious romance unmasks yet another underhanded charade. Woven into this complex drama is a philosophical question about invention: Who is the inventor: the one with the idea, the one who makes a working model, or the one to obtain the patent? Who really did invent the lightbulb? Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member cburnett5
What a fabulous and totally entertaining book! While the topic sounded interesting, I was a little worried that this book would be slow paced and a bit hard to get through when I sat down to actually start it. Thankfully, my initial concern was completely ill-founded. The Last Days of Night was
As the book opens, George Westinghouse and Thomas Edison are in the midst of a massive battle over who owns the lightbulb and therefore will have the ability to electrify the United States. Both men are fighting for the right to have their name linked to this great invention and the chance to amass a great fortune as a result. Westinghouse hires a young attorney named Paul Cravath to represent him in the numerous (over 300) lawsuits brought by Edison related to the ownership of who owns the lightbulb. In addition, the Westinghouse and Edison are battling over which type of current, direct or alternating, will prevail. As the story progresses, Moore details how the fight played out and who prevailed. As a side note, I found it a little depressing the lengths that both men went to in order to attempt to succeed in this war.
There were several sections of the book that were pretty gruesome and sadly true. A workman is burned alive by grabbing live wires in the early years of electricity when direct current was still used some. A zealous supporter of Edison named Harold Brown electrocuted all types of animals at live demonstrations in an effort to prove alternating current was unsafe. Those sections were a bit hard to stomach.
As always with historical fiction, I loved learning interesting details from this time period. The Last Days of Night contained so may fun facts that there is no way I could mention them all. Some of my favorites were that attorney Paul Cravath is responsible for the law firm hierarchy system that still exists today, all of the details relating to Nikola Tesla and his role in the electricity process and his other inventions, that Bell never owned a phone even though he invented the telephone, and the references to Henry Ford and the fact that he worked early on for both Edison and Westinghouse.
Each chapter cleverly begins with a quote that is relevant to the subject of that chapter. Moore quotes Edison, Tesla, Alexander Graham Bell, Steve Jobs, and even Neil deGrasse Tyson. The quotes are carefully chosen and are a nice introduction to each chapter. One of my favorites was by Edison: “I have not failed. I’ve just found ten thousand ways that don’t work.” Of all the quotes Moore chose, I felt this one most represented the process by which the U.S. was electrified.
I highly, highly recommend this novel. Thanks so much to Random House, Graham Moore, and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Show More
utterly fascinating, and I could not put it down. Graham Moore does an incredible job taking these real life events and putting them to paper in a way that is both understandable and enthralling. As the story progresses, certain scientific concepts are explained in a manner that is easy to follow yet accurately describes the fundamentals behind the various scientific discoveries of the 1880’s and 1890’s. Equally important, Moore manages to convey what the advent of electric light meant to society – factories and business are no longer bound by when the sun rises and sets, crime is diminished in public areas at night, and day and night no longer are no longer so distinct. As the book opens, George Westinghouse and Thomas Edison are in the midst of a massive battle over who owns the lightbulb and therefore will have the ability to electrify the United States. Both men are fighting for the right to have their name linked to this great invention and the chance to amass a great fortune as a result. Westinghouse hires a young attorney named Paul Cravath to represent him in the numerous (over 300) lawsuits brought by Edison related to the ownership of who owns the lightbulb. In addition, the Westinghouse and Edison are battling over which type of current, direct or alternating, will prevail. As the story progresses, Moore details how the fight played out and who prevailed. As a side note, I found it a little depressing the lengths that both men went to in order to attempt to succeed in this war.
There were several sections of the book that were pretty gruesome and sadly true. A workman is burned alive by grabbing live wires in the early years of electricity when direct current was still used some. A zealous supporter of Edison named Harold Brown electrocuted all types of animals at live demonstrations in an effort to prove alternating current was unsafe. Those sections were a bit hard to stomach.
As always with historical fiction, I loved learning interesting details from this time period. The Last Days of Night contained so may fun facts that there is no way I could mention them all. Some of my favorites were that attorney Paul Cravath is responsible for the law firm hierarchy system that still exists today, all of the details relating to Nikola Tesla and his role in the electricity process and his other inventions, that Bell never owned a phone even though he invented the telephone, and the references to Henry Ford and the fact that he worked early on for both Edison and Westinghouse.
Each chapter cleverly begins with a quote that is relevant to the subject of that chapter. Moore quotes Edison, Tesla, Alexander Graham Bell, Steve Jobs, and even Neil deGrasse Tyson. The quotes are carefully chosen and are a nice introduction to each chapter. One of my favorites was by Edison: “I have not failed. I’ve just found ten thousand ways that don’t work.” Of all the quotes Moore chose, I felt this one most represented the process by which the U.S. was electrified.
I highly, highly recommend this novel. Thanks so much to Random House, Graham Moore, and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member drmaf
Scintillating piece of writing. I had previously known of the "Current Wars" between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse from reading about the adoption of the electric chair, but as this very readable fictionalized account shows, that was merely one front in the ongoing battle over who would
Show More
power the world. All of the main characters in the novel were real people, and the outline of events that Moore uses really happened, he has only used creative licence where necessary to advance the plot. The protagonist is Paul Cravath, a young lawyer fresh out of college who is approached by George Westinghouse to defend an avalanche of lawsuits over the invention of the light bulb that Edison is promulgating to send Westinghouse broke. A central figure of the drama is the eccentric Serbian inventor Nikola Tesla, whome Westinghouse sees as a way out of his legal conundrum, if he can just invent a light bulb that does not infinge Edison's patent. Rounding out the main cast is young opera star Agnes Huntington, who becomes involved with Cravath romantically, and involved in the story as confidant and protetctor of the vulnerable Tesla. All of the characters are well-developed and come to life readily, there is no black or white, everyone has their own motives, some honourable, some less so. The book positively crackles along, and actually makes the tedious-seeming business of litigation seem exciting and dramatic. A very useful postscript from the author details the real story of what eventuated and the eventual fates of the people involved. Great book, absolutely loved, hope there is more fortghcoming from this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member lostinalibrary
The19th c. has fairly been called the age of great inventions and there were few who personified this as well as Thomas Alva Edison, George Westinghouse, or Nikola Tesla. Edison filed hundreds of lawsuits against competitors for what he saw as patent infringement on his inventions and, by the last
Westinghouse hires a young up-and-coming lawyer named Paul Cravath to defend his side, a seeming odd choice for such an important legal battle, one that could cost him everything. But Westinghouse is convinced that a younger man will be able to look at the situation from a fresh perspective to see something that all of those others who lost to Edison missed. As Paul searches for proof that Westinghouse’s bulbs are different from Edison’s, he hears of an eccentric Serbian inventor named Nikola Tesla who has recently been let go by Edison who might be able to help.
The Last Days of Nights by author Graham Moore is based on real events and when I started the book, I was expecting a quietly enjoyable and hopefully educational historical fiction about a clash of titans and it is certainly that. But it is also a surprisingly suspenseful legal drama full of intrigue, back-room deals, and bigger-than-life characters. Moore did add a couple of fictional events including a devastating lab fire and the attempted murder possibly by one of the two combatants. But, trigger warning here, perhaps the two most disturbing events of the novel including the use of dogs to demonstrate the differences between alternating current (ac) and direct current dc) as well as the first execution by electric chair are not only very graphic but are only slightly fictionalized depictions of real events.
Show More
decade of the century, he had lost to only one man, Alexander Graham Bell. Now, in 1892, as electricity spreads across the nation, he is suing George Westinghouse for infringement on his light bulb patent.Westinghouse hires a young up-and-coming lawyer named Paul Cravath to defend his side, a seeming odd choice for such an important legal battle, one that could cost him everything. But Westinghouse is convinced that a younger man will be able to look at the situation from a fresh perspective to see something that all of those others who lost to Edison missed. As Paul searches for proof that Westinghouse’s bulbs are different from Edison’s, he hears of an eccentric Serbian inventor named Nikola Tesla who has recently been let go by Edison who might be able to help.
The Last Days of Nights by author Graham Moore is based on real events and when I started the book, I was expecting a quietly enjoyable and hopefully educational historical fiction about a clash of titans and it is certainly that. But it is also a surprisingly suspenseful legal drama full of intrigue, back-room deals, and bigger-than-life characters. Moore did add a couple of fictional events including a devastating lab fire and the attempted murder possibly by one of the two combatants. But, trigger warning here, perhaps the two most disturbing events of the novel including the use of dogs to demonstrate the differences between alternating current (ac) and direct current dc) as well as the first execution by electric chair are not only very graphic but are only slightly fictionalized depictions of real events.
Show Less
LibraryThing member BrianEWilliams
An interesting work of historical fiction about the fight between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse over which of them invented the light bulb. The author described the book as ..a Gordian knot of verifiable truth, educated supposition, dramatic rendering, and total guesswork". While it's slow
Show More
to get going, by the middle of the book it's an exciting and suspenseful story. Show Less
LibraryThing member maneekuhi
I looked forward to this book for a number of reasons. I was aware of the AC/DC war in the early days of electrifying the country, I was curious to learn more about this guy Tesla especially in light of the electric car's success, and the whole big business/turn of the century/inventor-businessmen
There were a lot of key ingredients in abundant supply - major events in the industry's development, a proper amount of science and engineering, and a good bit of history of the times. But there was so little emotion. So the story unfolded somewhat like reading a series of newspaper articles. I got to the final 50 pages and couldn't wait for the book to be over.
Show More
mix sounded like the makings of a great story. But I found the story rather dull in its telling, and ditto for the characters, especially protagonist lawyer Paul Cravath. I excused the first half of the book thinking I was just getting a lot of necessary background, and soon the story would rev up. But it never happened. Even the almost romance that threaded throughout the story was boring - I can only recall one occasion when the 'lovers' smiled at each other. Perhaps there were more - but that's not my pointThere were a lot of key ingredients in abundant supply - major events in the industry's development, a proper amount of science and engineering, and a good bit of history of the times. But there was so little emotion. So the story unfolded somewhat like reading a series of newspaper articles. I got to the final 50 pages and couldn't wait for the book to be over.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Tasker
For a gearhead, this was historical fiction at its finest - inventions and inventors, science, legal wrangling all occurring at the turn of the 19th century in America. Mr. Moore's book was pleasure to read.
LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
Admitted I knew only the basics of Thomas Edison and the "current" war between A/C and D/C power, but this historical novel proved to be an enjoyable and compelling way to learn about it. Filled with quotes from famous inventors from both our era and the nineteenth century, this book (with its
Show More
focus on court battles) changed how I think about inventions and the different approaches inventors can take. A great read and one with plenty of ability to cross genres and appeal to those interested in science and technology as well as historical fiction fans. Show Less
LibraryThing member pomo58
The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore is a deceptively engaging piece of historical fiction. I expected to enjoy the book because I find the main historical characters interesting but I was honestly apprehensive about whether the topic could be made into a generally compelling read. I found
As great historical personalities fall deeper into the past (or as we hurtle recklessly into the future, either way) they start to be remembered only for the dominant feature of their lives. So an inventor is remembered for creativity and ingenuity, which are generally positive characteristics, so we often think of these people in purely positive terms, yet few if any people are all positive or all negative. This work brings to light the intersection of science and capitalism in the person of Thomas Edison.
A fascinating read simply as a historical legal novel yet also very interesting to see how easily money can become the determining factor even for those who start out wanting to create. This novel may well be one that rewards multiple readings with new insights into the time period as well as human nature, such as it is.
Reviewed from a copy made available through Goodreads First Reads.
Show More
Moore's style to have worked very well, from the dialogue to the use of many smaller chapters to keep the story moving.As great historical personalities fall deeper into the past (or as we hurtle recklessly into the future, either way) they start to be remembered only for the dominant feature of their lives. So an inventor is remembered for creativity and ingenuity, which are generally positive characteristics, so we often think of these people in purely positive terms, yet few if any people are all positive or all negative. This work brings to light the intersection of science and capitalism in the person of Thomas Edison.
A fascinating read simply as a historical legal novel yet also very interesting to see how easily money can become the determining factor even for those who start out wanting to create. This novel may well be one that rewards multiple readings with new insights into the time period as well as human nature, such as it is.
Reviewed from a copy made available through Goodreads First Reads.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ghr4
With “The Last Days of Night,” Graham Moore has fashioned a masterful work of historical fiction, telling the intertwined stories of the A/C vs. D/C "current" war and Thomas Edison’s lawsuit against George Westinghouse for patent infringement regarding invention of the light bulb. From those
Show More
central events, Moore deftly weaves together the surrounding events and characters into a propulsive, spellbinding novel. With his sure-handed style and a keen approach to explaining technical aspects of patent law, science, technology, and business in clear lay terms, this is a wonderfully compelling read. The author's notes at the end of the book provide a fascinating insight into the literary skills he uses to so effectively dramatize historical events. Show Less
LibraryThing member tangledthread
Historical fiction with the narrative provided by Paul Cravath, the 26 year old lawyer who represented George Westinghouse in the "current wars" against Thomas Edison. Nikola Tesla's contributions and personality quirks are also part of the narrative. The author has crafted a fascinating story
He also uses a device of speaking through Paul Cravath about the importance of creating a narrative from the facts. This is what Paul Cravath does as a lawyer. But is also what Graham Moore is doing through historical fiction. I especially appreciated the end notes where he explains how his story deviates from the historical record and where he has invented subthemes that no evidence supports.
Early in the book he states (through Paul Cravath) that all stories are love stories, but in time men may come to regret the things that they loved. That quote made me think of Margaret Atwood's quote that "All stories are about wolves. All worth repeating, that is." I've come to the conclusion that they are both right....this is a love story and a story about wolves. Enjoy!
Show More
which moves along quickly and and urges the reader think speculatively about human motivations. For example, at the beginning of each chapter is a quote from a contemporary icons such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and others. He also uses a device of speaking through Paul Cravath about the importance of creating a narrative from the facts. This is what Paul Cravath does as a lawyer. But is also what Graham Moore is doing through historical fiction. I especially appreciated the end notes where he explains how his story deviates from the historical record and where he has invented subthemes that no evidence supports.
Early in the book he states (through Paul Cravath) that all stories are love stories, but in time men may come to regret the things that they loved. That quote made me think of Margaret Atwood's quote that "All stories are about wolves. All worth repeating, that is." I've come to the conclusion that they are both right....this is a love story and a story about wolves. Enjoy!
Show Less
LibraryThing member maryreinert
Who knew the history of electricity could be so fascinating? However, behind every "boring' scientific theory are real people and this story about Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse, and Nicola Tesla is a page turner. Edison and Westinghouse were fighting in the courts over who really invented the
Show More
first light bulb and young attorney; Paul Cravath soon becomes involved. The story is told from his perspective as he becomes involved with the three inventors as well as other historical characters as Agnes Huntington, a famous singer; and JP Morgan. Short chapters led with quotes from Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, etc. add to the flavor of the book which is a real page-turner. Highly recommend -- electricity is only the backdrop - the machinations of these famous people makes for very entertaining and thought-provoking reading. It is well researched and historically accurate, but never boring Show Less
LibraryThing member BettyTaylor56
This is a part of history I was totally unaware of – the battle between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse – over the light bulb. In the late 1800’s there was a major legal battle between these two powerhouses. Edison filed over 300 lawsuits against Westinghouse for the unheard of amount
Electricity was something new and mysterious in the United States at that time. These men knew that whoever won the lawsuits stood to control the direction of electricity in the US. The book is written from the perspective of the young attorney, Paul Cravath, who represented Westinghouse.
The book is well written and held my attention. The past was brought to life. I really liked Tesla who cared nothing for the money. He just liked to take his ideas and turn them into reality. Politics, intrigue, ambition, a touch of romance…all are found in this remarkable story.
Show More
of $1B, yes, one billion dollars – in the late 1800’s. Add to the mix Tesla, the mad scientist who came up with the idea of alternating current. And we mustn’t forget JP Morgan, the sly one with the money. Each with his own agenda.Electricity was something new and mysterious in the United States at that time. These men knew that whoever won the lawsuits stood to control the direction of electricity in the US. The book is written from the perspective of the young attorney, Paul Cravath, who represented Westinghouse.
The book is well written and held my attention. The past was brought to life. I really liked Tesla who cared nothing for the money. He just liked to take his ideas and turn them into reality. Politics, intrigue, ambition, a touch of romance…all are found in this remarkable story.
Show Less
LibraryThing member book58lover
I found this book so interesting in the historical information and so fascinating in the writing that I bought it as a Christmas present for my brother-in-law, an engineer in Pittsburgh. It gives you a whole new perspective on the "Wizard of Menlo Park". An amazing and probably forgotten story of
Show More
the golden age of inventing and highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member beckyhaase
THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT by Graham Moore
I love this book. I know NOTHING about electricity….but I understand this book. And I am laughing. That is the essence of a great writer: to help me understand difficult concepts and to entertain me while my brain is engaged. This book has it all: humor in
The writing is clear, but still offers illumination to the characters that inhabit the book. Those characters are drawn with great detail and great sympathy both for the character and for truth. Although the novel takes liberties with the time lines, the places of events and even the presence of the various players, nothing is lost either to enjoyment of the book or the science and inventions depicted. The one remaining mystery is Agnes and she shall remain a mystery until you have finished the book and read the after notes.
I thought the quotes that start each chapter added to the depth of engagement for the modern reader – a great addition to the book. This will be a good for book groups to discuss. One question to ponder – How much of a villain was Paul, or was he a villain at all?
5 of 5 stars
I love this book. I know NOTHING about electricity….but I understand this book. And I am laughing. That is the essence of a great writer: to help me understand difficult concepts and to entertain me while my brain is engaged. This book has it all: humor in
Show More
large part, terror at times, mystery, legal shenanigans, hate, love, ethics (or a lack thereof), subterfuge, science that is understandable and intrigue. Oh yes, and great writing. The writing is clear, but still offers illumination to the characters that inhabit the book. Those characters are drawn with great detail and great sympathy both for the character and for truth. Although the novel takes liberties with the time lines, the places of events and even the presence of the various players, nothing is lost either to enjoyment of the book or the science and inventions depicted. The one remaining mystery is Agnes and she shall remain a mystery until you have finished the book and read the after notes.
I thought the quotes that start each chapter added to the depth of engagement for the modern reader – a great addition to the book. This will be a good for book groups to discuss. One question to ponder – How much of a villain was Paul, or was he a villain at all?
5 of 5 stars
Show Less
LibraryThing member writemoves
I have been reading more historical fiction lately. If this was not the best book I have read in that genre, it was one of the best. The book centers around the legal battle between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse regarding the patents and use of the electric bulb. The story is told from the
There was not a dull page in this book. The story moved along very quickly and the characters were very interesting, particularly the eccentric Nikola Tesla. There was also a surprise ending that I did not see coming. Just when you think you have all the answers – – the questions change…
Show More
perspective of a young and inexperienced attorney who is George Westinghouse's advocate. It shows his struggles dealing with the egos and personalities involved with this case. And just to throw in another complication, young Paul Cravath, the attorney for Westinghouse, finds he has challenges outside the law with Agnes Huntington, a beautiful opera singer who he falls in love with.There was not a dull page in this book. The story moved along very quickly and the characters were very interesting, particularly the eccentric Nikola Tesla. There was also a surprise ending that I did not see coming. Just when you think you have all the answers – – the questions change…
Show Less
LibraryThing member datrappert
A battle to invalidate Edison's patent for the light bulb. The debate over the safety of alternating current (AC). The birth of the modern law firm. Can an author were these events together into a compelling novel? In this case, absolutely yes. With a real life cast of larger-than-life characters
As the story unfolds, we see things through the lawyer's eyes as he discovers that his initial impressions of the geniuses with whom he is dealing are far from accurate. Edison begins as a villain, but by the end of the story he is humanized and we can appreciate the magnitude of his achievements, although they were more the work of a factory than of individual genius. George Westinghouse gets his due here as a visionary without whom the arrival of modern America would have been delayed. As for Tesla, he spends much of the book in a semi-incoherent state, but emerges as a sympathetic genius who puts pure science over any thoughts of its commercial application.
I could go on--but spend no more time reading this review. Go out and read this marvelously entertaining (and dare I say educational?) book right now.
Show More
led by Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse, and Nikola Tesla and a strong grounding in well-explicated science, this novel does just that. Throw in the struggle of the young lawyer taking on an impossible case and his alliance with a beautiful, intelligent, and seemingly unreachable singer-actress and you have a page turner of the highest quality. The background is very well drawn, recreating late 19th Century America with all its high points (Delmonico's, for one) and low points (such as class snobbery and racism). The author does take some liberties with history--compressing events, fleshing out characters whose full biographies are unclear, and putting his protagonist in places he wasn't. But there is probably more truth here than in reputed non-fiction such as Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. And in a nice postscript, the author explains the liberties he has taken and his speculations.As the story unfolds, we see things through the lawyer's eyes as he discovers that his initial impressions of the geniuses with whom he is dealing are far from accurate. Edison begins as a villain, but by the end of the story he is humanized and we can appreciate the magnitude of his achievements, although they were more the work of a factory than of individual genius. George Westinghouse gets his due here as a visionary without whom the arrival of modern America would have been delayed. As for Tesla, he spends much of the book in a semi-incoherent state, but emerges as a sympathetic genius who puts pure science over any thoughts of its commercial application.
I could go on--but spend no more time reading this review. Go out and read this marvelously entertaining (and dare I say educational?) book right now.
Show Less
LibraryThing member brangwinn
Tesla, Westinghouse, and Edison are all well-known names, but until I read this novel about the lawsuits between Edison and Westinghouse, did I come to realize what a self-serving person Edison was. Told from the perspective of the young lawyer hired by Westinghouse, the characters come to life as
Show More
we learn how General Electric came to be. Historical fiction writing at its best. The author has provided depth to all three famous men. Show Less
LibraryThing member JBreedlove
An interesting and easy read learning aboutthe rivalry between Edison and Westinghouse and the start og General Electric. The characters were real but seemed to have little depth. Never would have bought it but as a gift it was a pleasant read.
LibraryThing member Doondeck
Interesting and fast paced rendition of the battles between Westinghouse and Edison. Surprising how much is actually true.
LibraryThing member kimkimkim
Edison vs. Westinghouse - who would believe that this would provide such enjoyable and rewarding reading. I had no previous knowledge of the adversity between Edison and Westinghouse in the early days of electricity but I did have some background information about the young lawyer who would enter
Show More
this formidable battle. I loved the description of the chicanery and deceptions that were employed at every level to win and the foible of underestimating one's opponents. Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carolee888
Did you ever read a historical fiction book that you wanted to savor and imagine living in the times of the characters and meeting them? I did with Graham Moore’s Last Days of Night. I wanted to meet Paul Cravath, the very young lawyer right out of Columbia Law School. He was offered a position
You will find out if you read this book. You will also learn about what was most important to some of the inventor of those times, Edison, Westinghouse and the mysterious Nicola Tesla. Who was responsible for the invention of the light bulb? Was it one man or more? How do electrical currents work? What makes alternating current so much safer than direct current? Considering their very different personalities and work habits, which of the three would you rather work for? Graham Moore brings to life the drama, the mystery and the hatred that these three men had for each other. There is also an unusual love story involving a well know singer at the Metropolitan Opera Singer who is hiding her identity.
I did not want to race through this book but instead to enjoy each page, each scene and all of fascinating historical details. There is a special section in the back of the book telling what in the book is true, what is not and the sources that he referred. That section is just as exciting as the book. The pacing is even and several times, I just did not want to stop reading at 2 a.m.
If you enjoy historical fiction and this time period, the Age of Invention starting from the light bulb to the automobile in the United States and you love mysteries, you cannot miss this book. When a book is inspiring, it makes you want to read more. That is what this book did for me. Now I want to read more about Telsa, Edison, and J.P. Morgan.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy by making a selection from Amazon Vine books but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review. I also posted this review only on sites meant for reading not for selling.
Show More
by George Westinghouse to win a billion dollar suit brought by Thomas Alva Edison for patent infringement. A billion dollars in 1886 was an unheard of amount. So why did Mr. Westinghouse trust this neophyte with this Herculean task? You will find out if you read this book. You will also learn about what was most important to some of the inventor of those times, Edison, Westinghouse and the mysterious Nicola Tesla. Who was responsible for the invention of the light bulb? Was it one man or more? How do electrical currents work? What makes alternating current so much safer than direct current? Considering their very different personalities and work habits, which of the three would you rather work for? Graham Moore brings to life the drama, the mystery and the hatred that these three men had for each other. There is also an unusual love story involving a well know singer at the Metropolitan Opera Singer who is hiding her identity.
I did not want to race through this book but instead to enjoy each page, each scene and all of fascinating historical details. There is a special section in the back of the book telling what in the book is true, what is not and the sources that he referred. That section is just as exciting as the book. The pacing is even and several times, I just did not want to stop reading at 2 a.m.
If you enjoy historical fiction and this time period, the Age of Invention starting from the light bulb to the automobile in the United States and you love mysteries, you cannot miss this book. When a book is inspiring, it makes you want to read more. That is what this book did for me. Now I want to read more about Telsa, Edison, and J.P. Morgan.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy by making a selection from Amazon Vine books but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review. I also posted this review only on sites meant for reading not for selling.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ErickaS
The Last Days of Night is the story of the battle between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse. Which of them actually invented the lightbulb, and who holds the legal control to provide electric light to the nation? Is A/C power even safe? This is the battle between alternating current vs direct
While the story is interesting, it reads like a legal thriller. This book is reminiscent of John Grisham, which is entertaining and, in this particular case, informative, but in actuality most of it is just a series of events. You know the procedure: everything will be revealed in bite-sized pieces and it’s all going to turn out all right in the end. I enjoyed the unexpected twists, the events were exciting, and the research behind the story, especially what Moore manipulated for plot reasons, was very well done. It’s a good story, and one that I wasn’t familiar with. The Last Days of Night is an original legal procedural, and there's engaging fiction woven with true events and real people. The book had me on Wikipedia more than once, looking up people and events.
The Last Days of Night is well done; it's just not my usual type of historical fiction. If you're at all interested in the history of this story, or would just like to dig into a fun, fast-paced legal thriller, then this is for you. It doesn't disappoint, and each chapter leaves you wanting to turn to the next page.
Many thanks to Random House, NetGalley, and Graham Moore for this copy in exchange for my review.
Show More
current, and though it might sound scientific and dry, this fight involves scheming, betrayal, and attempted murder. The story is told from the vantage point of Paul Cravath, Westinghouse's greenhorn wunderkind lawyer, who's still wet behind the ears but thrilled to take on the challenge of bringing down Thomas Edison, one of the most powerful men in the country. While the story is interesting, it reads like a legal thriller. This book is reminiscent of John Grisham, which is entertaining and, in this particular case, informative, but in actuality most of it is just a series of events. You know the procedure: everything will be revealed in bite-sized pieces and it’s all going to turn out all right in the end. I enjoyed the unexpected twists, the events were exciting, and the research behind the story, especially what Moore manipulated for plot reasons, was very well done. It’s a good story, and one that I wasn’t familiar with. The Last Days of Night is an original legal procedural, and there's engaging fiction woven with true events and real people. The book had me on Wikipedia more than once, looking up people and events.
The Last Days of Night is well done; it's just not my usual type of historical fiction. If you're at all interested in the history of this story, or would just like to dig into a fun, fast-paced legal thriller, then this is for you. It doesn't disappoint, and each chapter leaves you wanting to turn to the next page.
Many thanks to Random House, NetGalley, and Graham Moore for this copy in exchange for my review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member nmele
Historical novels are often tricky, and this one adds to the challenge with its cast of well-known characters like Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse. In fact, this is a fictional account of the competition between Edison and Westinghouse. It is a page turner built upon a legal
Show More
case, and it sticks pretty closely to the known facts of their competition. Tesla, of course, is a bit of a wild card but an essential player. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this depiction of the days when American cities were first being wired for electrical power. Show Less
LibraryThing member KateBaxter
It's 1888 and the electrical power war rages between the two camps of Edison General Electric Company and Westinghouse Electric Company. Paul Cravath, a young attorney, recently graduated from Columbia Law, becomes George Westinghouse's defense attorney against Thomas Edison's 312 patent
The story is mostly told through the eyes and thoughts of Mr. Cravath. Author Graham Moore really did his homework and delivers an enjoyable and highly readable story about this auspicious time. He also provides closing notes regarding what in the story is from the actual historic record and where he deviated or compressed time for the sake of delivering a well spun yarn. Mr. Moore has created a magical world of scientific discovery and its larger than life players at the center of it all.
I am grateful to author Graham Moore, publisher Random House and Goodreads First Reads for having provided a free advance reader's edition of this story. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Synopsis (from book's back cover):
New York, 1888. Gas lamps still flicker in the city streets, but the miracle of electric light is in its infancy. The person who controls the means to turn night into day will make history--and a vast fortune. A young untested lawyer named Paul Cravath, fresh out of Columbia Law School, takes a case that seems impossible to win. Paul's client, George Westinghouse, has been sued by Thomas Edison over a billion-dollar question: Who invented the light bulb and holds the right to power the country?
The case affords Paul entry to the heady world of high society--the glittering parties in Gramercy Park mansions, and the more insidious dealings done behind closed doors. The task facing him is beyond daunting. Edison is a wily, dangerous opponent with vast resources at his disposal--private spies, newspapers in his pocket, and the backing of J. P. Morgan himself. Yet this unknown lawyer shares with his famous adversary a compulsion to win at all costs. How will he do it?
In obsessive pursuit of victory, Paul crosses paths with Nikola Tesla, an eccentric, brilliant inventor who may hold the key to defeating Edison, and with Agnes Huntington, a beautiful opera singer who proves to be a flawless performer on stage and off. As Paul takes greater and greater risks, he'll find that everyone in his path is playing their own game, and no one is quite who they seem.
Show More
infringement law suits. Who invented the light bulb? There is much debate on that count. Much of the story centers on Cravath's defense and counter-offense of Westinghouse's right to make light bulbs, free and clear. The story is mostly told through the eyes and thoughts of Mr. Cravath. Author Graham Moore really did his homework and delivers an enjoyable and highly readable story about this auspicious time. He also provides closing notes regarding what in the story is from the actual historic record and where he deviated or compressed time for the sake of delivering a well spun yarn. Mr. Moore has created a magical world of scientific discovery and its larger than life players at the center of it all.
I am grateful to author Graham Moore, publisher Random House and Goodreads First Reads for having provided a free advance reader's edition of this story. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Synopsis (from book's back cover):
New York, 1888. Gas lamps still flicker in the city streets, but the miracle of electric light is in its infancy. The person who controls the means to turn night into day will make history--and a vast fortune. A young untested lawyer named Paul Cravath, fresh out of Columbia Law School, takes a case that seems impossible to win. Paul's client, George Westinghouse, has been sued by Thomas Edison over a billion-dollar question: Who invented the light bulb and holds the right to power the country?
The case affords Paul entry to the heady world of high society--the glittering parties in Gramercy Park mansions, and the more insidious dealings done behind closed doors. The task facing him is beyond daunting. Edison is a wily, dangerous opponent with vast resources at his disposal--private spies, newspapers in his pocket, and the backing of J. P. Morgan himself. Yet this unknown lawyer shares with his famous adversary a compulsion to win at all costs. How will he do it?
In obsessive pursuit of victory, Paul crosses paths with Nikola Tesla, an eccentric, brilliant inventor who may hold the key to defeating Edison, and with Agnes Huntington, a beautiful opera singer who proves to be a flawless performer on stage and off. As Paul takes greater and greater risks, he'll find that everyone in his path is playing their own game, and no one is quite who they seem.
Show Less
LibraryThing member thewanderingjew
The Last Days of Night, Graham Moore, author, Johnathan McClain, narrator
George Westinghouse and Thomas Edison are both geniuses and rivals with egos that are huge. Both are driven to succeed. Both are inventors extraordinaire and both are engaged in a lawsuit with each other, suing and counter
Paul Cravath is a young lawyer in his mid twenties. He was lucky to land a job with a law firm and then to be hired by George Westinghouse to represent him in his fight against Edison General Electric, even though he is inexperienced and without major contacts. They were the actual qualities that appealed to Westinghouse.
Nikola Tesla is a brilliant, if not disturbed, scientist and inventor. He sees the world through the pictures he fantasizes and imagines in his head and then attempts to create them in the real world. His mind is amazing, but his personality leaves a bit to be desired since he seems to be obsessive and often disengaged from the world everyone else is witnessing. Tesla invented alternating current which is eventually used by Westinghouse. Although it is safer, in an effort to prevent its use, Edison portrays it as a tool of death and uses it for an electric chair.
Agnes Huntington is a talented and beautiful young woman in her mid twenties who is an ingénue who sings at the Metropolitan Opera House. She is sought after by men of influence, money and power and she uses her influence with them. Paul Cravath is completely smitten by this vixen who lives in a world way above his station in life. He does not know her secrets. Paul comes from a humble family. His father is a man of the cloth who has founded Fisk, a school for uneducated, freed slaves. Although Slavery had ended, equal rights had not yet become a reality. It would take many more years.
The lawsuit between Edison General Electric and Westinghouse Electric threatens to bankrupt both men, but both are stubborn enough to throw caution to the wind. Neither will say uncle. As the author weaves this tale of historic fiction, he shines a light on Cravath, Edison, Westinghouse, Tesla and Huntington, with an intensity that brings them to life on the page. Little known facts are revealed about their interactions as General Electric is born.
Their tactics, often underhanded, and their cohorts, often dishonest, though powerful, work together to create a novel that has all the makings of a great movie as well as an incredibly readable book. The fact that a there is a romantic undercurrent enhances and enchants rather than cheapens the story. When the book comes to a close, the reader feels almost as if they had met all the major characters in real life, although it is more than 120 years in the past. The fact that each character is willing to compromise their soul to gain power and success is illustrated as the story unfolds. In some ways, their behavior is admirable even as it is sometimes also reprehensible.
The friendship that develops between Paul Cravath and Nikola Tesla is intricately drawn as Tesla’s personality and genius are developed from his own writings and possibly the expression of a kind of mental illness that he suffers from which causes him to behave in an odd manner, most of the time. Throw Agnes Huntington into the mix and the story blossoms not only as a court case and study of business, brilliance and madness, but also as a beautiful romance. Agnes is talented, beautiful and intelligent. Paul becomes quite smitten with her even though she may be already promised to another, even though their different backgrounds and class are antagonistic to each other.
In his fictional presentation, Moore has accurately described the skullduggery that exists in the corporate and financial worlds, probably not only then, in the late 19th century, but even today, in the 21st century. Money talks and its power is enormously influential regarding deal making and relationships.
In addition to the creativity of the author in crafting such a masterful novel, there is an incredibly talented narrator. Perhaps coming from the entertainment business industry, Moore was particularly able to choose someone from his own industry that read the story magically, always with the perfect accent necessary and the emotional presentation that was never over the top, never stole the show, but always perfectly enhanced every scene.
George Westinghouse and Thomas Edison are both geniuses and rivals with egos that are huge. Both are driven to succeed. Both are inventors extraordinaire and both are engaged in a lawsuit with each other, suing and counter
Show More
suing. Edison demands that Westinghouse stop making light bulbs because he has the patent to prove he invented them and owns all rights to them in any form. The law is on his side stating that he alone can produce them. Westinghouse is suing Edison to allow his company to produce light bulbs also. Westinghouse believes he has invented a better light bulb. Paul Cravath is a young lawyer in his mid twenties. He was lucky to land a job with a law firm and then to be hired by George Westinghouse to represent him in his fight against Edison General Electric, even though he is inexperienced and without major contacts. They were the actual qualities that appealed to Westinghouse.
Nikola Tesla is a brilliant, if not disturbed, scientist and inventor. He sees the world through the pictures he fantasizes and imagines in his head and then attempts to create them in the real world. His mind is amazing, but his personality leaves a bit to be desired since he seems to be obsessive and often disengaged from the world everyone else is witnessing. Tesla invented alternating current which is eventually used by Westinghouse. Although it is safer, in an effort to prevent its use, Edison portrays it as a tool of death and uses it for an electric chair.
Agnes Huntington is a talented and beautiful young woman in her mid twenties who is an ingénue who sings at the Metropolitan Opera House. She is sought after by men of influence, money and power and she uses her influence with them. Paul Cravath is completely smitten by this vixen who lives in a world way above his station in life. He does not know her secrets. Paul comes from a humble family. His father is a man of the cloth who has founded Fisk, a school for uneducated, freed slaves. Although Slavery had ended, equal rights had not yet become a reality. It would take many more years.
The lawsuit between Edison General Electric and Westinghouse Electric threatens to bankrupt both men, but both are stubborn enough to throw caution to the wind. Neither will say uncle. As the author weaves this tale of historic fiction, he shines a light on Cravath, Edison, Westinghouse, Tesla and Huntington, with an intensity that brings them to life on the page. Little known facts are revealed about their interactions as General Electric is born.
Their tactics, often underhanded, and their cohorts, often dishonest, though powerful, work together to create a novel that has all the makings of a great movie as well as an incredibly readable book. The fact that a there is a romantic undercurrent enhances and enchants rather than cheapens the story. When the book comes to a close, the reader feels almost as if they had met all the major characters in real life, although it is more than 120 years in the past. The fact that each character is willing to compromise their soul to gain power and success is illustrated as the story unfolds. In some ways, their behavior is admirable even as it is sometimes also reprehensible.
The friendship that develops between Paul Cravath and Nikola Tesla is intricately drawn as Tesla’s personality and genius are developed from his own writings and possibly the expression of a kind of mental illness that he suffers from which causes him to behave in an odd manner, most of the time. Throw Agnes Huntington into the mix and the story blossoms not only as a court case and study of business, brilliance and madness, but also as a beautiful romance. Agnes is talented, beautiful and intelligent. Paul becomes quite smitten with her even though she may be already promised to another, even though their different backgrounds and class are antagonistic to each other.
In his fictional presentation, Moore has accurately described the skullduggery that exists in the corporate and financial worlds, probably not only then, in the late 19th century, but even today, in the 21st century. Money talks and its power is enormously influential regarding deal making and relationships.
In addition to the creativity of the author in crafting such a masterful novel, there is an incredibly talented narrator. Perhaps coming from the entertainment business industry, Moore was particularly able to choose someone from his own industry that read the story magically, always with the perfect accent necessary and the emotional presentation that was never over the top, never stole the show, but always perfectly enhanced every scene.
Show Less
Awards
RUSA CODES Reading List (Winner — Historical Fiction — 2017)
Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction (Nominee — 2017)
Lariat Adult Fiction Reading List (Selection — 2017)
Language
Original language
English