Flash of Genius: And Other True Stories of Invention

Many interesting stories told with great skill . . .

Very interesting story about the auto industry.

Very interesting to learn about the grass roots of inventions that most of us use nearly every day! Inventors Rock!

Seabrook does a great job of describing the dynamics behind the development and commercialization of several innovations. Those interested in invention are well advised to find the risk side of the rewards from innovation.

It is kind of like reading magazine articles. I'm surprised they made a movie from such a short story. Anyway, beware as most of the other stories end up having a depressing feel or ending.

John Seabrook writes for The New Yorker (his first article for them appeared in 1988), and he writes well if you like that type of writing. This is a collection of true short stories, the first of which -- Flash of Genius -- appeared in 1993 in The New Yorker but was only made into the movie  Flash of Genius  more recently in 2008. That movie coming out appears to be what prompted this book, which updates the story in an introduction but otherwise just reprints the original article. (You can read the article online for free, at the link below in the first comment.)Like much of what appears in The New Yorker, these stories tend to bring out both the light and dark sides of humanity. Don't read this expecting to find a scientific explanation for what a "flash of genius" is or to learn how to be a better inventor. Instead, you will find stories that will get you thinking, but leave you vaguely dissatisfied by not being able to find any answers to the questions that the stories bring to light.I liked the book, but had to take it in fairly small doses. John Seabrook does better at short stuff. (I would hate to read a book by him.) This is not a page turner that keeps you riveted until you reach the end. I found it best to read a story or two, and then put the book aside for a while. Even putting the book down mid-story was not a problem.All in all, the book has its faults. It's a little hard to get through, and a maybe as much depressing as inspiring, but worth the effort, in my opinion. Behind the stories, there is some good solid thinking, just like you expect from The New Yorker.

Aspiring inventors: Must read. Protect your intellectual property rights at all costs - the sharks are out there! Watch the film - tragic & ultimately triumphant at great cost(s).