Samuel F. B. Morse
His Letters and Journals

First published in 1914, this two-volume collection, with commentary, illuminates the remarkable life of the telegraph inventor.

Samuel Finley Breese Morse (Author), Edward Lind Morse (Edited by)

9781108074391, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 28 August 2014

598 pages, 15 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 3.4 cm, 0.75 kg

The American inventor Samuel Morse (1791–1872) spent decades fighting to be recognised for his key role in devising the electromagnetic telegraph. While he will always be remembered in the history of telecommunications, and for co-developing the code which bears his name, Morse started out as a painter and also involved himself in matters of politics over the course of his career. Published in 1914, this two-volume collection of personal papers was edited by his son, who provides helpful commentary throughout, illuminating the struggles and successes of a remarkable life. Volume 2 begins with Morse's return voyage to the United States; following a conversation with a fellow passenger regarding electromagnetism, Morse began to develop the concept of the single-wire telegraph. The rest of the volume gives much personal background to the development of the invention and particularly to Morse's efforts to gain the recognition he believed he deserved.

21. October 1, 1832–February 28, 1833
22. 1833–6
23. 1835–7
24. October 3, 1837–May 16, 1838
25. June, 1838–January 21, 1839
26. January 6, 1839–March 9, 1839
27. April 15, 1839–September 30, 1840
28. June 20, 1840–August 12, 1842
29. July 16, 1842–March 26, 1843
30. March 15, 1843–June 13, 1844
31. June 23, 1844–October 9, 1845
32. December 20, 1845–April 19, 1848
33. January 9, 1848–December 19, 1849
34. March 5, 1850–November 10, 1854
35. January 8, 1855–August 14, 1856
36. August 23, 1856–September 15, 1858
37. September 3, 1858–September 21, 1863
38. February 26, 1864–November 8, 1867
39. November 28, 1867–June 10, 1871
40. June 14, 1871–April 16, 1872.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]