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Bolt of Fate: Benjamin Franklin and His Electric Kite Hoax by Tom Tucker: Used
AlibrisBooks
(498631)
Business
US $9.66
ApproximatelyEUR 8.38
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Located in: Sparks, Nevada, United States
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Estimated between Sat, 29 Nov and Fri, 5 Dec to 94104
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About this item
Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
eBay item number:403959697949
Item specifics
- Condition
- Publication Date
- 2005-03-16
- Pages
- 297
- ISBN
- 9781586482947
About this product
Product Identifiers
Publisher
Public Affairs
ISBN-10
1586482947
ISBN-13
9781586482947
eBay Product ID (ePID)
43438570
Product Key Features
Book Title
Bolt of Fate : Benjamin Franklin and His Fabulous Kite
Number of Pages
320 Pages
Language
English
Topic
Physics / Electricity, United States / Colonial Period (1600-1775), Essays, Historical, Science & Technology
Publication Year
2005
Illustrator
Yes
Genre
Science, Biography & Autobiography, History
Format
Trade Paperback
Dimensions
Item Weight
12 Oz
Item Length
8.2 in
Item Width
5.5 in
Additional Product Features
Intended Audience
Trade
Synopsis
Every schoolchild in America knows that Benjamin Franklin flew a kite during a thunderstorm in the summer of 1752. Electricity from the clouds above traveled down the kite's twine and threw a spark from a key that Franklin had attached to the string. He thereby proved that lightning and electricity were one. What many of us do not realize is that Franklin used this breakthrough in his day's intensely competitive field of electrical science to embarrass his French and English rivals. His kite experiment was an international event and the Franklin that it presented to the world -- a homespun, rural philosopher-scientist performing an immensely important and dangerous experiment with a child's toy -- became the Franklin of myth. In fact, this sly presentation on Franklin's part so charmed the French that he became an irresistible celebrity when he traveled there during the American Revolution. The crowds and the journalists, and the ladies, cajoled the French powers into joining us in our fight against the British. What no one has successfully proven until now -- and what few have suggested -- is that Franklin never flew the kite at all. Benjamin Franklin was an enthusiastic hoaxer. And with the electric kite, he performed his greatest hoax. As Tucker shows, it was this trick that may have won the American Revolution., Every schoolchild in America knows that Benjamin Franklin flew a kite during a thunderstorm in the summer of 1752. Electricity from the clouds above traveled down the kite's twine and threw a spark from a key that Franklin had attached to the string. He thereby proved that lightning and electricity were one. What many of us do not realize is that Franklin used this breakthrough in his day's intensely competitive field of electrical science to embarrass his French and English rivals. His kite experiment was an international event and the Franklin that it presented to the world--a homespun, rural philosopher-scientist performing an immensely important and dangerous experiment with a child's toy--became the Franklin of myth. In fact, this sly presentation on Franklin's part so charmed the French that he became an irresistible celebrity when he traveled there during the American Revolution. The crowds and the journalists, and the ladies, cajoled the French powers into joining us in our fight against the British. What no one has successfully proven until now--and what few have suggested--is that Franklin never flew the kite at all. Benjamin Franklin was an enthusiastic hoaxer. And with the electric kite, he performed his greatest hoax. As Tucker shows, it was this trick that may have won the American Revolution., Every schoolchild in America knows that Benjamin Franklin flew a kite during a thunderstorm in the summer of 1752. Electricity from the clouds above traveled down the kite's twine and threw a spark from a key that Franklin had attached to the string. He thereby proved that lightning and electricity were one. What many of us do not realize is that Franklin used this breakthrough in his day's intensely competitive field of electrical science to embarrass his French and English rivals. His kite experiment was an international event and the Franklin that it presented to the world,a homespun, rural philosopher-scientist performing an immensely important and dangerous experiment with a child's toy,became the Franklin of myth. In fact, this sly presentation on Franklin's part so charmed the French that he became an irresistible celebrity when he traveled there during the American Revolution. The crowds and the journalists, and the ladies, cajoled the French powers into joining us in our fight against the British. What no one has successfully proven until now,and what few have suggested,is that Franklin never flew the kite at all. Benjamin Franklin was an enthusiastic hoaxer. And with the electric kite, he performed his greatest hoax. As Tucker shows, it was this trick that may have won the American Revolution.
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AlibrisBooks
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Seller Feedback (553,814)
- r***g (243)- Feedback left by buyer.Past monthVerified purchaseBook was "nearly new" and "as described" in listing. The advertised price was fair and a good value. Unfortunately, the seller's shipping partner was very slow to get the book packaged and shipped. Shipping took too long, and the tracking info gave no reliable info on shipping date, time in transit or expected delivery. Seller did everything right, but their shipping partner needs improvement. I recommend this seller to other eBay buyers....... just make sure you're okay with the shipping terms.
- e***u (283)- Feedback left by buyer.Past 6 monthsVerified purchaseThe listing was for a hardcover version of this book; however, I received a paperback. The Seller replied quickly to my question about this issue and issued a full refund - and let me keep the book. So, a diligent Seller for sure - and well packaged and reasonable timing on shipping. Thank you for the refund, and as you suggested, I'll likely donate this volume and seek the hardcover.
- a***a (419)- Feedback left by buyer.Past monthVerified purchaseThis 2DVD set is in perfect condition. Cover art and case like new. Both DVDs played with no flaws. Description was listed as “Good”; I would describe it as “Very Good”, basically Like New. Delivery was super fast and packaging was excellent. The DVD case was wrapped well, then put in a cardboard envelope that was sturdy and hard to open (this is NOT a negative!). I have purchased from this company a few times and have always been very satisfied. Prices are great.
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Seller Feedback (553,814)
- r***g (243)- Feedback left by buyer.Past monthVerified purchaseBook was "nearly new" and "as described" in listing. The advertised price was fair and a good value. Unfortunately, the seller's shipping partner was very slow to get the book packaged and shipped. Shipping took too long, and the tracking info gave no reliable info on shipping date, time in transit or expected delivery. Seller did everything right, but their shipping partner needs improvement. I recommend this seller to other eBay buyers....... just make sure you're okay with the shipping terms.
- e***u (283)- Feedback left by buyer.Past 6 monthsVerified purchaseThe listing was for a hardcover version of this book; however, I received a paperback. The Seller replied quickly to my question about this issue and issued a full refund - and let me keep the book. So, a diligent Seller for sure - and well packaged and reasonable timing on shipping. Thank you for the refund, and as you suggested, I'll likely donate this volume and seek the hardcover.
- a***a (419)- Feedback left by buyer.Past monthVerified purchaseThis 2DVD set is in perfect condition. Cover art and case like new. Both DVDs played with no flaws. Description was listed as “Good”; I would describe it as “Very Good”, basically Like New. Delivery was super fast and packaging was excellent. The DVD case was wrapped well, then put in a cardboard envelope that was sturdy and hard to open (this is NOT a negative!). I have purchased from this company a few times and have always been very satisfied. Prices are great.