Overview

Magician of the North is the first full-scale biography of this extraordinary man. William George Armstrong was a visionary inventor, engineer and businessman who bestrode the 19th-century world like a colossus, bringing global renown to his great Elswick works on the Tyne, while adding lustre to Britain's imperial might. In its heyday, Elswick employed 25,000 people in the manufacture of hydraulic cranes, warships and armaments. He created Cragside in Northumberland, the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity, and planted in its grounds seven million trees. At Cragside his guests included the Shah of Persia, the King of Siam, the Prime Minister of China and the future kings Edward VII and George V. This book is much more, however, than the life of one man. It is the story of Britain at the height of empire, riding the crest of industrial success - a country awash with scientific and technological achievements, bursting with hopes and dreams. It will appeal as much to lovers of romance as to more practically inclined readers. The Queen and the Prince Consort played a vital role in fostering the scientific ferment, but so did characters such as Michael Faraday, Charles Darwin and Thomas Huxley. It was the era of the self-made man, and no one personified Samuel Smiles's doctrine of 'self-help' more clearly than William Armstrong.

Full Product Details

9781904794493

Table of Contents

Reviews

...fascinating and comprehensive book about one of the North East's great men.A The Journal Henrietta's book is that rare combination of very detailed and very readable.A The Northern Echo ...a fascinating new book about him demonstrates that he is just as relevant now as he was in Victorian times.A BBC North

"...fascinating and comprehensive book about one of the North East's great men.A"" The Journal Henrietta's book is that rare combination of very detailed and very readable.A"" The Northern Echo ...a fascinating new book about him demonstrates that he is just as relevant now as he was in Victorian times.A"" BBC North"

Author Information

Henrietta Heald has edited books on British history and travel, interior design and architecture, and whose best sellers include the monumental Chronicle of Britain. She has contributed to many publications, including the Spectator and The Times.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available