George Westinghouse: Gentle Genius by Quentin R. Skrabec Jr. offers a captivating exploration of the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest inventors and industrial pioneers. From transforming railroads with revolutionary air brakes to lighting cities with alternating current (AC) electricity, Westinghouse reshaped industries and set the foundation for the modern technological age. An Inventor Driven by Integrity: Unlike many of his contemporaries, Westinghouse was known for his unwavering integrity and respect for his employees. Skrabec paints a vivid portrait of a compassionate leader whose genius was matched only by his dedication to fair business practices. His belief in shared prosperity made him a beloved figure among workers and a formidable competitor in the business world. Innovations that Shaped History: This book highlights Westinghouse's groundbreaking achievements, including his fierce rivalry with Thomas Edison in the "War of Currents." His adoption of Nikola Tesla’s AC system ultimately powered America’s electrical infrastructure, forever changing how people live and work. Engineering the Future: Westinghouse’s pioneering contributions went beyond electricity. His innovations in transportation, such as advanced railroad systems and early natural gas delivery, redefined global industry standards. Skrabec expertly details how Westinghouse's inventive spirit set the stage for future advancements in energy and technology. A Legacy of Innovation and Humanity: Westinghouse's story is not just one of technical brilliance but also of personal humility. Skrabec masterfully combines historical research with compelling storytelling to illustrate how this gentle genius built an industrial empire while maintaining a legacy of fairness, innovation, and social responsibility. For History and Innovation Enthusiasts: George Westinghouse: Gentle Genius is essential reading for anyone fascinated by the intersection of business, technology, and history. Whether you're a student of industrial history, a tech enthusiast, or someone inspired by the lives of great inventors, this book offers a powerful narrative about the man whose quiet brilliance lit up the modern world. George Westinghouse (1846-1914) was an inventive engineer, successful industrialist, and, according to this new biography by Skrabec (business, Findlay U.), a man whose kind character engendered a fondness among his employees that could not even hope to be rivaled among such contemporaries as Andrew Carnegie and perhaps provided the model for "capitalism with a heart." --SciTech Book News Quentin R. Skrabec, Jr., PhD, has published over fifty articles on history, industrial history and business, and five books on business, industry and management. His next book with Algora Publishing, William McKinley, The Apostle of Protectionism, is scheduled for release in November 2007. Holding a PhD in Manufacturing Management from the University of Toledo, he has taught as an adjunct professor at Toledo, the University of Akron, University of Pittsburgh, and Robert Morris University. In his management career, Dr. Skrabec has served as a manager and vice president at LSE/LTV Steel, Jessop Steel and National Steel. He led LSE/LTV to 33 Magazine's "Manufacturing Company of the Year" and to Tom Peters' "100 Best-Managed Companies" list. Dr. Skrabec was awarded the first USA Today/Rochester National Quality Cup. An experienced writer and biographer, Skrabec is a Pittsburgher with a strong background in the local stories and legends. Used Book in Good Condition