Life Of John Fitch: The Inventor Of The Steamboat

By Thompson Westcott

Book Overview

The Life of John Fitch: The Inventor of the Steamboat is a biographical account of the life and work of John Fitch, the American inventor who is credited with building the first successful steamboat. Written by historian Thompson Westcott, the book traces Fitch's life from his early years as a clockmaker in Connecticut to his later years as a steamboat entrepreneur in Philadelphia.The book details Fitch's numerous attempts to build a steam-powered boat, including his first prototype, which he tested on the Delaware River in 1787. Despite initial success, Fitch faced numerous setbacks and financial difficulties in his quest to perfect the steamboat. However, he persevered and eventually succeeded in building a commercially viable steamboat, which he operated on the Delaware River in the early 1790s.In addition to Fitch's engineering achievements, the book also explores his personal life, including his relationships with family, friends, and business partners. It also provides insights into the social and political context of Fitch's time, including the impact of the American Revolution and the growth of the early American economy.Overall, The Life of John Fitch: The Inventor of the Steamboat offers a comprehensive and engaging portrait of an important figure in American history and technology. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of transportation, engineering, or the early American economy.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1428635092
• ISBN13: 9781428635098
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
• Length: 424 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"