Synopsis
William R. Huber’s biography, George Westinghouse: Powering the World, provides a comprehensive look at the life of one of America’s most prolific yet humble inventors and industrial titans. Unlike many of his contemporaries during the Gilded Age, Westinghouse is depicted not as a "robber baron," but as a visionary engineer-entrepreneur driven by the practical application of technology to improve safety and efficiency. The narrative begins by detailing his early breakthrough with the air brake, a revolutionary invention that transformed the railroad industry by allowing trains to stop reliably, thereby preventing countless accidents and enabling the expansion of high-speed rail travel across the continent.
The core of the book explores the famous "War of Currents," where Westinghouse emerged as the primary champion of Alternating Current (AC). Huber meticulously chronicles the fierce rivalry between Westinghouse and Thomas Edison, who advocated for Direct Current (DC). The biography highlights Westinghouse’s strategic brilliance in acquiring Nikola Tesla’s polyphase system patents and his determination to prove AC's superiority for long-distance power transmission. This struggle culminates in historic milestones, such as the successful illumination of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the pioneering harnessing of Niagara Falls for hydroelectric power, which effectively set the standard for the modern electrical grid.
Beyond his technical achievements, Huber shines a light on Westinghouse’s unique approach to corporate culture and labor relations. He was known for treating his employees with unprecedented respect, implementing shorter work weeks and establishing "Westinghouse Air Brake Village" to provide high-quality housing and benefits. However, the story also touches on the financial complexities and the eventual loss of control over his empire following the Panic of 1907. Ultimately, the book serves as a reclamation of Westinghouse’s legacy, portraying him as a man whose integrity and collaborative spirit were just as vital to the industrialization of the United States as his mechanical genius.