Insisting on the Impossible: The Life of Edwin Land Inventor of Instant Photography
McElheny, Victor K.
Place Published: Reading MA:
Publisher: Perseus Books,
Date Published: 1998.
Description: 8vo - over 7" - 9" tall. STATED FIRST PRINTING. 291 pages with index plus 16 pages black & white photos. The book is in NEAR FINE-- condition with several upper outside pages dogeared (to bookmark). The dust jacket is NEAR FINE with minor edge/shelf wear. NOT price-clipped. NOT remaindered. JMVINTAGE specializes in books, magazines and treasures related to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor....and other curious people. Dust jacket notes read: "If a single life exemplifies the inner drive that fires a great inventor, it is the life of Edwin Land. The major innovations that he was able to achieve in photography, optics, industry, and science policy carry priceless lessons for readers today. Insisting on the Impossible is the first fullscale biography of this Magellan of modern technology. Victor McElheny reveals the startling scope and daring spirit of Land's scientific and entrepreneurial genius. Second only to Edison in the number of patents he received (535), Land built a modest enterprise into a gigantic 'invention factory,' turning out not only polarizers and the first instant cameras, but also high-speed and X-ray film, identification systems, 3-D and instant movies, and military devices for night vision and aerial reconnaissance. As a scientist, Land developed a new theory of color vision; as a science advisor to Eisenhower during the Cold War he spearheaded the development of the U-2 spy plane and helped design NASA. Behind these protean achievements was a relentless curiosity, a magical public presence, and a willful optimism that drew him again and again to conquer 'the impossible.' In an era when these qualities are needed more than ever, this masterly biography will speak to anyone involved or interested in business, science, photography, educational reform, or government. "
Edition: First editionBinding: 1/4 cloth
Condition: Near Fine in Near Fine Dust Jacket
ISBN: 0738200093
Book Id: 17479
Price: $18.50
