In ‘Lives of Boulton and Watt: Principally from the Original Soho Mss, ‘ Samuel Smiles chronicles the transformative partnership between two of the Industrial Revolution’s most pivotal figures: Matthew Boulton and James Watt. This work is not merely a biographical account but also a literary tapestry woven from extensive original manuscripts, highlighting the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial zeal that defined the era. Smiles employs a narrative style marked by both scholarly rigor and engaging storytelling, immersing readers in the socio-economic context of 18th-century England, where industry and invention reshaped society. Samuel Smiles, a Scottish author and social reformer, dedicated his life to advocating for self-help and positive individualism. His background in engineering and passionate interest in the mechanics of progress led him to explore the lives of Boulton and Watt, not only as inventors but as quintessential examples of the industrious spirit that he celebrated throughout his works. Their legacies align seamlessly with Smiles’ ethos of self-improvement, making this biography a compelling exploration of human potential. This book is recommended for both historians and general readers interested in the cultural and technological forces that propelled the Industrial Revolution. Smiles’ insightful analysis and vivid storytelling breathe life into the remarkable achievements of Boulton and Watt, providing invaluable lessons on perseverance, ingenuity, and the undeniable power of collaboration.
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Samuel Smiles (1812–1904) was a Scottish author and government reformer whose work in literature predominantly encompassed the Victorian era’s ethos of self-help and individual responsibility. A prolific writer, Smiles is widely known for pioneering the genre of ‘self-help’ with his highly influential book ‘Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character and Conduct’ (1859). His writings have been characterized by a belief in the virtues of hard work, thrift, and fortitude, and they often underscored the lives of engineers, inventors, and entrepreneurs who personified these traits. An important entry in his bibliography is ‘Lives of Boulton and Watt. Principally from the Original Soho Mss’, wherein he forays into the biographies of the industrial revolutionaries Matthew Boulton and James Watt. Smiles’s literary style is marked by a combination of moral didacticism and engaging storytelling, as he narrated the achievements of his subjects to inspire his readers to aspire toward self-improvement and industry. His work remains a testament to the cultural values of the 19th century and offers a window into the era’s perspectives on progress and success. His influence is seen not only in literature but also in the encouragement of a culture of entrepreneurship and self-directed pursuit of personal achievements within the broader spectrum of societal advancement.
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