Online Catalogue last updated 17th of September 2023
Written by Richard L. Hills.
James Watt is known today for his invention in 1765 of the separate condenser, which greatly improved the efficiency of the steam engine. He developed this whilst living in Scotland, but it was not until he moved to Birmingham in 1774 and forged his partnership with Matthew Boulton, that hi invention became the major force behind the growth of the Industrial Revolution.
Watt's life in Scotland has hitherto been inadequately researched. In Volume 1 of James Watt, Richard Hills addresses this deficiency with his work upon Watt's:
Watt's importance cannot be denied but, hitherto, discussions about his life and work have often been based on the writings of Victorian authors who were sometimes partisan and who were not always accurate in their use of original sources (in an effort to present Watt in the best light). Richard Hills has worked from original records, checking printed versions where necessary and has shed new light on thus far obscure areas of Watt's life and personality. The book is fully referenced, and will be a valuable source-book for future Watt scholars, being not only a biography of Watt but also providing detailed accounts of the projects, machines and inventions with which he was concerned.
It will be the definitive study of Watt for many years to come.
Richard Hills is one of Britain's foremost industrial historians with a deep understanding of technical matters, operational complexities of machinery, etc. His scholarship is held in the highest regard. He is a former Curator of the North Western Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester. The books he has written on Watt and Roberts have been written after years of detailed research into primary sources. They will be the definitive biography for years to come. He is the chairman of the North West Branch of the Newcomen Society, and has had seven books and numerous papers published to date.
Code No. 009874, ISBN 1843060450