Thomas Edison: Inspiration and Hard Work details Edison's rise from humble beginnings and his unceasing struggle to overcome obstacles. His genius and investigative methods shaped the future and continue to influence new generations. With only three months of formal education, Thomas Edison grew up to be one of the most successful inventors of all time. Applying scientific principles to practical use, he produced scores of inventions and held over 1,300 patents, from improvements on the telegraph and phonograph to the development of the incandescent lamp and a whole system for distributing electricity. This book is part of the Heroes of History series of biographies that are told in an engaging narrative format.