James Watt

"James Watt" by Andrew Carnegie is an early 20th-century exploration into the life and legacy of James Watt, the renowned inventor of the steam engine. The biography begins by immersing the reader in Watt's formative years, exploring his family history and upbringing in Greenock, with emphasis on how his mother influenced his education and early scientific curiosity. Watt is depicted as a child with a questioning mind, constantly tinkering and investigating the mechanics of the world around him, setting the stage for his later breakthrough inventions that transformed industry and society and made Carnegie himself rich. The book underlines the challenges and setbacks Watt faced on the way to perfecting his steam engine, humanizing the inventor and showcasing the perseverance required to revolutionize technology. Carnegie paints a portrait of a man who overcame adversity to leave an indelible mark on the world, not just through his inventions but also through his character and dedication.