They Made America: From the Steam Engine to the Search Engine: Two Centuries of Innovators

... Show More
An illustrated history of American innovators -- some well known, some unknown, and all fascinating -- by the author of the bestselling The American Century.

692 pages, Paperback

First published October 1,2004

About the author

... Show More
Harold Evans is an English-born journalist and writer who was editor of the Sunday Times from 1967 to 1981. A graduate of Durham University, he has written a number of bestselling histories. He followed the late Alistair Cooke in commentaries on America for the BBC. An American citizen since 1993, he has held positions as editor-in-chief of the Atlantic Monthly Press, founding editor of the prize-winning Conde Nast Traveler; editorial director of the Atlantic and US News and the New York Daily News; and president and publisher of Random House. He holds the British Press Awards' Gold Award for Lifetime Achievement of Journalists. In 2001 British journalists voted him the all-time greatest British newspaper editor, and in 2004 he was knighted. Since 2011, he has been editor-at-large for Reuters.


Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 26 votes)
5 stars
7(27%)
4 stars
10(38%)
3 stars
9(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
26 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
... Show More
My favorite non-fiction book is truly a remarkable one!

Harold Evans has done an outstanding job in profiling 50 of the greatest innovators this country has ever witnessed.

The genius and spirit that are present in all of these individuals are extremely crucial and sorely needed in today's world.

This book should not only be required reading in high school and college but also for anybody who is working for the government.

The contributions made by these men have played a significant role in making America great.

It is essential to study and understand their stories to gain inspiration and knowledge.

By reading this book, we can learn from their experiences and apply their innovative thinking to our own lives and work.

It is a must-read for anyone who wants to make a positive impact and contribute to the progress of our society.
July 14,2025
... Show More
By accident, I discovered this remarkable book.

Someone had placed it in the discard box within my condominium library.

Residents often leave books in the return/gift basket, and it's my task to sort through them.

We don't have a formal checkout system; it's a simple "want a book, take a book" policy.

When Uncle Hugh or Aunt Sally pass away, people frequently clear out their books by depositing them in the clubhouse basket.

This particular book is enormous, measuring 9x11 inches and consisting of 496 pages.

It provides detailed information and often includes photos of all the renowned inventors who have contributed to making my country great.

Ranging from the steam engine to Fred Smith, the founder of Federal Express, there are hundreds of inventors listed.

Surprisingly, this book was utterly fascinating to me, considering I've never had much of an interest in history or the history of inventions.

If you happen to come across this book, it is truly well worth reading.

I'm certain it must have cost a significant amount of money.

Unfortunately, the paper cover is missing, so I can't even hazard a guess at its price.

It was published in 2004 by Little Brown.

If you encounter this book, snatch it up, read it, and then pass it on to one of the younger generation.

It's truly fantastic!!
July 14,2025
... Show More
A coffee table book is a wonderful thing.

It contains stories of a diverse range of inventors.

I borrowed it from the library specifically for the Sam Insull chapter, and it was truly great.

It provided a concise biography of an amazing man.

I highly recommend it.

However, I gave it a lower star rating for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, it's not the kind of book you would take on a plane or in a backpack as it's a bit bulky.

Secondly, it had other stories that simply didn't interest me.

Despite these drawbacks, the Sam Insull chapter alone makes it worth checking out.

It offers valuable insights into the life and achievements of this remarkable inventor.

Overall, it's a book that has its pros and cons, but for those interested in the history of invention, it's definitely worth a look.

July 14,2025
... Show More
This book truly opened my eyes and made me realize the profound truth that we often take for granted all the remarkable technological innovations that surround us.

We go about our daily lives, enjoying the convenience and comfort that these advancements bring, without giving a second thought to the艰辛 and sacrifices that lie behind them.

So many of the things that we have become so accustomed to, such as our smartphones, the internet, and modern transportation, are only possible because of the unwavering determination and hard work of countless individuals.

They have dedicated their lives to research, development, and improvement, facing numerous challenges and setbacks along the way.

By reading this book, I have gained a newfound appreciation for the ingenuity and perseverance of these pioneers, and I now understand that every technological innovation is a testament to the power of human imagination and the drive to make the world a better place.
July 14,2025
... Show More

*They Made America* is an astonishingly captivating exploration of the lives and feats of the innovators who molded the United States and, by extension, the contemporary world. Harold Evans skillfully seizes the essence of innovation, spanning from the industrial revolution to the digital era, breathing life into the remarkable individuals who constructed industries, devised inventions, and revolutionized society. The narrative weaves an enchanting tapestry of visionaries, entrepreneurs, and dreamers, their tales abundant with challenges, triumphs, and often, revolutionary change.


Evans doesn't merely chronicle events. He delves profoundly into the personalities, the failures, the unwavering perseverance, and the intense desire to effect a difference. From Samuel Morse and his telegraph to Steve Jobs and the Apple revolution, the book spotlight how the tenacity of individuals pushed the boundaries of the once-impossible. The chapters on each innovator offer not only insights into their achievements but also a peek at the risks and sacrifices they endured to bring their ideas to fruition.


What distinguishes this book is its inspiration. It's nearly impossible to conclude reading without feeling invigorated, motivated, and deeply connected to the concept of innovation. It serves as a reminder that the world we know was erected by those who dared to dream and take action, defying all odds. It reminds me of the kind of person I aspire to be: someone whose ideas can leave an indelible mark on the world.


In fact, reading *They Made America* has instilled in me a fierce desire to be part of that next wave of innovators. I long to be one of those individuals who not only witnesses history but actively shapes it. The book isn't just a gaze into the past; it's a clarion call to action for anyone who dreams of transforming the world for the better.


This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who has ever been inspired by the stories of visionaries or anyone who aspires to become one.

July 14,2025
... Show More
I would rate it a 4 for its content, but only a 3 for its readability.

The early chapters of this work seem to be written in a style similar to that of a history encyclopedia. They present a wealth of information in a rather dry and factual manner.

However, as one progresses to the later chapters, which place a greater emphasis on technology, the writing takes on the characteristics of a science textbook. It becomes more technical and detailed.

Overall, despite the somewhat cumbersome reading experience, I did manage to learn some new and interesting things. For example, I discovered that there was at least as much technology theft as there were cooperative inventions and innovations.

Nonetheless, the book is a bit of a slog to get through due to its overly detailed nature, much like a traditional textbook. It requires a certain level of dedication and concentration from the reader to fully absorb the information presented.
July 14,2025
... Show More
Corporate crime and thieves are alive and well, just as they have always been.

In today's society, corporate crime takes on various forms, such as fraud, embezzlement, and illegal insider trading. These actions not only cause significant financial losses to individuals and organizations but also undermine the trust and stability of the entire economic system.

Thieves, on the other hand, continue to target people's property through burglary, theft, and robbery. Their actions not only violate the law but also cause great harm and distress to the victims.

Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies and the legal system to combat these crimes, they still persist. This is because the motives for committing these crimes, such as greed and the desire for quick wealth, are deeply ingrained in human nature.

To address this issue, it is essential that we continue to strengthen our legal and regulatory systems, increase public awareness of the consequences of these crimes, and promote ethical and moral behavior in all aspects of society. Only by working together can we hope to reduce the incidence of corporate crime and theft and create a safer and more just world for all.
July 14,2025
... Show More
The Most Interesting Book


Books have always been a source of knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Among the countless books out there, there is one that stands out as the most interesting. This book has the power to captivate readers from the very first page and keep them hooked until the last word.


It may be a thrilling adventure story that takes you to far-off lands and introduces you to exciting new characters. Or perhaps it's a thought-provoking mystery that challenges your intellect and makes you think outside the box. Maybe it's a heartwarming romance that touches your emotions and makes you believe in the power of love.


The most interesting book is different for everyone, as it depends on personal interests and tastes. However, one thing is for sure - when you find that special book, it can have a profound impact on your life. It can transport you to another world,开阔 your眼界, and leave you with a sense of wonder and excitement. So, keep reading and exploring the wonderful world of books, and you're sure to discover the one that speaks to you and becomes your most interesting book.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.