Samuel F. B. Morse

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.