Category: Book

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Nikola Tesla: Renewable Energy Ahead of Its Time – Book Cover

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It’s almost Nikola Tesla’s birthday, and that means it’s almost time for the release of my new e-book on Tesla and his interest in renewable energy. I received an amazing number of suggestions for the title of the book, and now I’m looking for feedback on the preliminary book cover design.

Thanks to everyone who contributed their thoughts. After much consideration, I’ve narrowed the book title down to two options, both of which are amalgams of several of 30 or so ideas received. They capture both the name Nikola Tesla and the idea that he was ahead of his time envisioning how to harness “the power of nature.” The title options are:

1 – Nikola Tesla: Renewable Energy Ahead of Its Time

2- Nikola Tesla: New Perspectives on Renewable Energy

While I’m trying to decide on a final title I’m also working on the cover design. I wanted the cover to be bright and appealing, plus reflect in some way Tesla’s legacy of his first foray into what today we call renewable energy. What do you all think of this designs?

Tesla Renewable Energy book cover 2

Tesla Renewable Energy book cover 2b

The photo is of the Tesla statue on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, where Tesla’s alternating current designs enabled development of electrical power from the falling waters. I like the perspective of the shot…looking up his outstretched cane as he gazes out upon the power and energy of Horseshoe Falls.

So the dual question remains: which title, and what do you think of the cover design? Let me know in the comments or on my Facebook author’s page. If you haven’t already, “Like” my page so you can keep up to date on progress of the e-book and how to get a free download when it is released.

I’m looking forward to the feedback. Thanks everyone for all your support and assistance in renewing interest in Nikola Tesla. And don’t forget to check out all the other Tesla birthday events coming up in the next two weeks.

David J. Kent is the author of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity. You can order a signed copy directly from me, download the ebook at barnesandnoble.com, and find hard copies at Barnes and Noble bookstores, as well as online at B&N.com and Amazon.com.

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It’s Tesla Time – Events for Nikola Tesla’s Birthday

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David J. KentNikola Tesla would be 158 years old on July 10, 2014 if he were still alive. In a way, Tesla has had a rebirth in recent years: Wardenclyffe is being turned into a museum and science center; Tesla has become a pop culture icon (and a car company); and books about him are selling off the shelves. This birthday has special meaning both for Tesla and for me. With that in mind here is an update of some key events over the next month or so.

Renewable Energy book goes live!: My Tesla and Renewable Energy ebook becomes available on Amazon the end of this month, just in time for Tesla’s birthday. In an amazing response to my previous article I received almost 30 suggestions for a title of the book. I’ll be opening up a vote for the final title shortly. I’ll also be opening up a vote for the final cover design, so keep an eye on this website and my Facebook author page. Be sure to “Like” the Facebook page because I’ll be giving loyal fans free access to the ebook when it first comes out.

Second printing of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity: My first Tesla book was a great hit and sold out the print run at Barnes and Noble. Because it has tons of photos, graphics, and some really cool cartoons, the book requires several months to reprint. In honor of Tesla’s birthday the second printing of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity will be in Barnes and Noble stores in July. The exact dates will depend on the specific store, so if you don’t see it prominently displayed please ask store staff if they have any copies. They sold quickly last year so grab them while they are available (or order a signed and inscribed copy of the first printing directly from me now).

Signing books 1-11-14

Tesla in schools?: I’ve also discussed with the Tesla Science Foundation and school principal Ashley Redfearn Neswick about using Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity as part of a school curriculum. Recently this idea has expanded to possibly writing additional books on how to teach Tesla (for teachers) and different grade levels (for students). This is part of a broader effort by TSF and Neswick to build a Tesla curriculum.

Brown Bag Lecture at Ipswich Museum: For those in New England, I’ll be giving a brown bag lunch lecture on Nikola Tesla on July 7th at the Ipswich Museum. Did you know that Tesla had a business venture with John Hays Hammond, Jr., famous not only for work he did on robotics (with Tesla) but for the Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Massachusetts? I’ll talk about that and other parts of Nikola Tesla’s life. There will also be a book signing at the event.

Gloucester fisherman

Tesla Days in Philadelphia: The Tesla Science Foundation is sponsoring its annual Tesla Days on July 9-10 in Philadelphia. Check out the link for more information.

Teslamania in Toronto/Niagara Falls: Immediately following, on July 10-13, Tesla Magazine is sponsoring Teslamania, a multi-day celebration of Nikola Tesla’s life and work. Most of the events are in Toronto but there is a side trip to nearby Niagara Falls to view the power of nature that so inspired Tesla to harness hydroelectricity.

There will be a lot more as both my books on Nikola Tesla are available this summer. Join my Facebook author’s page to keep up on events. Everyone who has “Liked” my page will be eligible to access the ebook for free. Also look for a newsletter to start up later this summer.

David J. Kent is the author of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity. You can order a signed copy directly from me, download the ebook at barnesandnoble.com, and find hard copies at Barnes and Noble bookstores, as well as online at B&N.com and Amazon.com.

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Countdown to Tesla and Renewable Energy has Begun!

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David J. KentThe clock is ticking.The finishing touches are being made. And the countdown has begun. Coming in late June is my new ebook on Nikola Tesla’s interest and advocacy of renewable energy. As I wrote in September of 2012:

How many people knew that Nikola Tesla was a proponent of renewable energy? More than 100 years ago Tesla was pushing the idea that fossil fuels – most coal and oil at that time – were not sustainable resources.

Tesla’s first foray into renewable energy, what he called “harnessing the energy of nature,” was his contribution to hydroelectric power at Niagara Falls.

But Tesla didn’t stop there. He looked at other natural sources of energy too, including the sun (solar power), the wind (windmills), and water (tides, ocean waves, even power from the rain).  He believed we could harness the power of cosmic rays. He developed a system for geothermal energy. And he believed the energy of the earth could be unlimited.

All of this and more will be discussed in an new ebook to be available in June 2014. But before that happens I need a good title, and I’m asking for your help. Tesla and Renewable Energy is my working title, but perhaps you all can come up with something that has a bit more pop, a bit more excitement, a bit more, well, natural energy.

So if you have an idea for a title that captures the idea of Tesla and Renewable Energy, feel free to write it in the comments to this post. Or you can add it on my Facebook authors page. For everyone that leaves a title idea in the comments below I’ll tell you how you can download the ebook for free! If you “Like” my Facebook authors page you can also get the ebook for free when it comes out.

Watch this page in the future because I’ll also be asking for your help in choosing the final cover for the book. More on that shortly.

If the new Tesla ebook isn’t exciting enough, the second printing of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity will be in Barnes and Noble stores in July. It should also be available for order on the Barnes and Noble website (maybe even on Amazon). Or you can buy a signed and inscribed copy directly from me.

David J. Kent is the author of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity. Follow me by subscribing by email on the home page.  And feel free to “Like” my Facebook author’s page and connect on LinkedIn.  Share with your friends using the buttons below.

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Tesla and Lincoln’s 2014 Schedule is Starting to Take Shape

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David J. KentSo 2013 was an incredible year, and 2014 is already looking like it will be even more incredible. Later this month I’ll take a look back on all that has happened this past year. Meanwhile, my event schedule for 2014 is starting to take shape. Here are just a few of the events already on the calendar for the first six to eight months:

January

4th – Eric Foner dinner: The noted Abraham Lincoln historian will receive the Lincoln Award from the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia. We’ll have a special dinner at the historic Willard Hotel in Washington DC. Foner’s many books on Abraham Lincoln include The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery, which won several major awards including the Pulitzer, Lincoln, and Bancroft Prizes.

11th – Tesla Memorial Conference: For the second year in a row I will be attending the annual Nikola Tesla conference sponsored by the Tesla Science Foundation and the New Yorker Hotel. More details to come but see here for recaps of the 2013 conference.

18th – Lincoln Group Book Club: Monthly meeting to discuss Herndon’s Lincoln, Ford’s Theater Educational Center.

February

2 weeks mid-month – Travel to Argentina. I’m still coordinating arrangements with a long-time Argentinian friend of mine, but it looks like a couple of weeks of hiking, fishing, kayaking, glacier hopping, etc. along the eastern ridge of the Andes in Patagonia and eventually all the way down to Ushuaia in the Tierra del Fuego region.

March

End of month – Have completed Lincoln book proposal in my agent’s hands (if not earlier)

April

24th – 26th – Attend American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) conference in New York City.

27th – 28th – Attend Chesapeake-Potomac Regional Chapter (CPRC) conference in Maryland. [as Past-President]

May

End of month – Planned release of Nikola Tesla and Renewable Energy e-book. More details soon!

June

haew narok waterfall 3? – What is this…nothing on my calendar yet for June? I’ll need to do something about that soon.

July

1st – Release of second printing of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity by Sterling Publishing.

7th – Brown bag lecture at the Ipswich Museum in Ipswich, MA. In addition to being the featured speaker I’ll have books available for sale and signing.

8th – 10th – Annual Tesla Days in Philadelphia. A multi-day series of events celebrating the birthday of Nikola Tesla. Check here for information on the 2013 event.

July – September

In addition to the events listed above, and with the second printing (of double the initial print run) due in Barnes and Noble stores in July, I will likely be doing a series of speaking events. Stay tuned for more information, and check back frequently to my Tesla Events and Speaking Engagements page for updates. Perhaps a west coast swing? Perhaps Serbia? I’m open to ideas.

David J. Kent is the author of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity. You can order a signed copy directly from me, download the ebook at barnesandnoble.com, and find hard copies exclusively at Barnes and Noble bookstores.

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Exciting News about Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity

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Tesla: The Wizard of ElectricityI’ve been incredibly thankful to everyone who has helped make Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity a success. And now there are even more thanks deserved. Yesterday my editor at Sterling Publishing informed me that they will issue a second printing of the book. My literary agent, Marilyn Allen, probably captured the moment the best, and most succinctly, when she responded with: “AWESOME.”

Sales have been outstanding in the four months since it was released – over 9,000 of the 10,000 books printed have flown off the shelves! That in itself is exciting because the initial print run was larger than normal for non-fiction books (especially non-fiction books about obscure, long-dead, scientists). And while the books were initially featured prominently in Barnes and Noble stores at an incredibly affordable price, they have become harder to find as the warehouse emptied out and individual stores sold out their stock. Books also weren’t available directly on Amazon.com, which is, after all, where many people buy most of their books these days. Still, sales continue to be consistently strong, and on top of the hard copy sales there have also been substantial sales of the e-book on barnesandnoble.com.

David J. Kent

Even more exciting is that the publisher is so confident the books will continue to sell well, they’ve scheduled the second printing to be double the size of the initial, that is, 20,000 books. As a book that backlists well (i.e., doesn’t get outdated), Sterling expects the book to sell for many years to come. Who knows, maybe we’ll get a third printing (and fourth? and fifth?).

And if all of that wasn’t enough, the publisher is planning to release the book in July 2014, just in time for Nikola Tesla’s birthday. Sterling plans a “back-to-school” promotion, which is undefined at the moment but would likely include some book signings and other events. I’ll keep you posted.

Thank you all for supporting me and the book so wholeheartedly. It’s because of you that Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity has been so successful. The hunger of the public for information about Nikola Tesla has been very gratifying. As can be seen by the topics of my posts on this website, there currently is an incredible amount of activity and interest about Tesla. As Tesla himself once said:

“The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.”

It seems the future has arrived.

Which leads to some additional news. I’ve been approached by the director of the Ipswich Museum in my home town. They would like me to schedule a brown-bag lunch presentation at the museum sometime in 2014. I’m also working on a new Tesla book focused on his interest in what today we call “renewable energy.” I’ll have more details on both of these in later posts, as well as information on how to subscribe to a newsletter I expect to begin producing early in the new year.

Exciting times, these!

David J. Kent is the author of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity. You can order a signed copy directly from me, download the ebook at barnesandnoble.com, and find hard copies exclusively at Barnes and Noble bookstores.

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Part 2 – Photos and Videos from Tesla Presentation at Chester County Library, Exton, PA

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This is Part 2 of my report on the November 3rd Nikola Tesla presentations of various artists, writers, and filmmakers at the Chester County Library in Exton, PA. If you haven’t seen it already, go back and read Part 1 here. I finished up Part 1 by mentioning that I talked about my book, Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity.

David J. Kent

Other highlights of the event include two videos and “Astronomusic” by Laura Woodswalker Todd, a videographer and electronic musician who lives in Phoenixville, PA. “Light Worker” and “Tesla Tower” are music video tributes to Nikola Tesla that employ synthesizers and computer software to express artistic visions. Laura also joined Howard Lipman as they demonstrated the Steampunk Wand along with a Tesla-inspired electronic instrument called the theremin.

Laura Woodswalker Todd

Howard, who superbly emceed the event, narrated a compendium video showing how Tesla had influenced science fiction going back to the 1920s. In fact, Hugo Gernsback, a close friend of Nikola Tesla, often used Tesla and his inventions as models for his Amazing Stories science fiction magazine beginning in 1926. Howard then regaled us with readings from one of his Tesla-inspired fiction books. Writing as PanOrpheus, Howard read from Tesla’s Light Bulb, due out in December 2013.

Howard Lipman aka PanOrpheus

Next up were demonstrations of various Tesla devices by Adolphe Alexander and Harry Oung. Some of us took turns demonstrating the spark gap and lighting a fluorescent bulb without wires. Ready for a cool video? Ru Sun demonstrates how to do it.

But that’s not all. We were joined by Brian Yetzer of Yetzer Studios who is developing the next generation of “augmented reality.” What appeared to be simple poster artwork for most of the event became much much more as Brian turned his iPad to the image. It turns out the poster is embedded with code that can be read by special software in Brian’s tablet…and viola! Emerging from the screen were working models of Tesla inventions and descriptions of how they all work, which makes for an exhilarating communication experience. Brian will be crowdfunding the next step of his enterprise – creating an App – so come back here for more information. Meanwhile, check out this video.

After more than three hours of Tesla talk and discussions the library staff came to shoo us out of the room for the next users, but it’s safe to say that the participants thoroughly enjoyed the gathering. I know I had a great time. And on top of that I sold a few books, some of which Tesla Science Foundation founder Nikola Lonchar will use for TSF give-aways in the future. I was happy to be a part of this experience. See you all in New York in January.

David J. Kent is the author of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity. You can order a signed copy directly from me, download the ebook at barnesandnoble.com, and find hard copies exclusively at Barnes and Noble bookstores.

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Part 1 – Photos and Videos from Tesla Presentation at Chester County Library, Exton, PA

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For those who couldn’t make the November 3rd presentations of various artists, writers, and filmmakers in Exton, I’ve put together the following set of photos and videos. The Chester County Library, with fantastic coordination by Kristen Cassidy and superb hosting by author Howard Lipman, was the location of the event. The library provided us a room on the second floor where for three hours Howard directed the showing of videos, discussions of Tesla-inspired books and artwork, and made some incredible lightning bolts shoot from one side of the large room to the other.

Library sign, photo by Ru Sun

Okay, I made that last part up. We did have Tesla coils set up and some cool sparking demonstrations, but they didn’t actually fill the room with lightning. More on that later.

We started with a series of videos and audio presentations introducing Nikola Tesla to the participants. The first was a video created and distributed by Tesla’s Ambassadors, a Facebook-based group designed to “honour and respect the achievements of the great genius Nikola Tesla.” Check out this “Nikola Tesla Style” video from Tesla’s Ambassadors.

Also showing was a video by award-winning filmmaker Joseph Sikorski called Tower to the People: Tesla’s Dream at Wardenclyffe Continues, created to help promote the development of a science center at Tesla’s old laboratory, Wardenclyffe.

Tower to the People

And we couldn’t pass up the chance to see the video viewed by over 16 million people on YouTube, Nikola Tesla vs Thomas Edison: Epic Rap Battles of History.

After the videos it was my turn. I talked about my book, Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity, and then led a wide-ranging discussion that delved into Tesla’s support for renewable energy (which, BTW, is the topic of my next book), his friendships with Mark Twain and John Muir, and how just perfect it was to have David Bowie play Tesla in the movie, The Prestige. [I told you it was wide-ranging]

There was much, much more, but since this is already getting long I’ll arbitrarily stop here and make this “Part 1” and then follow up shortly with “Part 2,” which will include more cool videos and photos. Be sure to check back for, to quote Paul Harvey, “the rest of the story.”

See Part 2 here.

More information on upcoming Tesla events and speaking engagements.

David J. Kent is the author of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity. You can order a signed copy directly from me, download the ebook at barnesandnoble.com, and find hard copies exclusively at Barnes and Noble bookstores.

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Nikola Tesla at the Chester County Library, Exton PA

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Tesla: The Wizard of ElectricityOn November 3rd, join me and a cast of artists, writers, and filmmakers at the Chester County Library, Exton, PA for an extraordinary multimedia Tesla event. Sponsored by the Tesla Science Foundation, there will be presentations on “Why Nikola Tesla Matters” and how Tesla has been an influence in Books, Film and Art.

I’ll be there talking about Nikola Tesla and my book Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity. Check out the videos by Laura Todd, a local Phoenixville electronic composer, and other visual media artists. Musical interludes will include demonstration of a Theremin, which is a phenomenal musical instrument that makes use of the kinds of electronic fields made famous by our own Nikola Tesla. And as if the theremin wasn’t cool enough, the addition of a ‘Steampunk Wand’ is sure to create some unusual effects! On top of all that we’ll have on display some of Tesla’s devices, including two amazing Tesla coils (frizzy hair optional), plus Tesla-inspired art. There will also be a display of books about Tesla. Signed copies of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity will be available for purchase ($10 makes a great Christmas gift).

Hosted by Howard Lipman, a Chester County Author, and Radio Host Mark Passio, the event is being held on Sunday, November 3rd from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at the Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA, 19341. Call 484-888-1582 for more information. Also check out the Tesla Club event page or the Chester County Library announcement for more information.

I hope to see you all there.

More information on upcoming Tesla events and speaking engagements.

David J. Kent is the author of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity. You can order a signed copy directly from me, download the ebook at barnesandnoble.com, and find hard copies exclusively at Barnes and Noble bookstores.

Follow me by subscribing by email on the home page.  And feel free to “Like” my Facebook author’s page and connect on LinkedIn.  Share with your friends using the buttons below.

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Nikola Tesla Book, Film, and Art Presentations

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Tesla: The Wizard of ElectricityFor those in the Philadelphia/Exton area, there is an upcoming Tesla “Book, Film and Art” event presented by members of the Tesla Science Foundation. The event is hosted by Howard Lipman, a Chester County Author, Radio Host Mark Passio. There will also be presentations by other Tesla Foundation members on “Why Nikola Tesla Matters”, and how Tesla has been an influence in Books, Film and Art.

The event is being held on Sunday, November 3rd from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at the Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, PA, 19341. Call 484-888-1582 for more information. Also check out the Tesla Club event page, which notes:

Videos related to Tesla, including Laura Todd, a local Phoenixville electronic composer’s pieces, and other Tesla related visuals will be shown. Members will display some of Tesla’s devices, and Tesla Art will be provided by Zzvezdana Scott, the proprietor of a Kennett Square Art Gallery. There will be a display of books about Tesla.

More information on upcoming Tesla events and speaking engagements.

David J. Kent is the author of Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity. You can order a signed copy directly from me, download the ebook at barnesandnoble.com, and find hard copies exclusively at Barnes and Noble bookstores.

Follow me by subscribing by email on the home page.  And feel free to “Like” my Facebook author’s page and connect on LinkedIn.  Share with your friends using the buttons below.

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Tesla is on the road again

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Tesla and the authorI’m writing this in between packing for my trip and finishing up the 103 and a 1/2 things on my “do before my trip” list. So this will be quick.

Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity continues to have steady weekly sales. We’re down to the last 1000 or so copies (out of 10,000) and they are getting harder to find in Barnes and Noble stores. They are there though, so check out BarnesandNoble.com to find a location near you that still has stock. Or order an ebook online. You can also check out Amazon.com, which has some for sale by resellers.

Better yet, order a signed and inscribed copy directly from me.

Why is the timing so important? Because the publisher is looking to make a decision on whether to order a second printing for next spring. To be comfortable doing so they want to have sold out the first printing by Christmas.

Yes, Christmas. For those who have barely started thinking beyond Labor Day, we’re only a few weeks from Halloween, which means one thing – Christmas decorations will start going up soon. It’s time to start thinking about Christmas gifts. And I’ve been told that Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity is a great Holiday gift.

Now, on to the trip (darn, this is already longer than I expected). For those in Massachusetts who are available to get together, I’ll be flying up today (Thursday) and staying through Monday night. There’s a great family event on Saturday night, so anyone who bought a book in the store or online and wants me to sign it, you know where to find me. For those still wanting books, you’re in luck. There are several on hold with my northern affiliates (aka, my parents). Let me know if you want to get together for your favorite small talk and libation.

Okay, only 102 and a 1/2 things still to do. I’m mobile!

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