A biography of the man who rose from debt to amass a small fortune, and became the driving force behind the successful laying of the first transatlantic telegraph cable.

Isabella Field Judson's 'Cyrus W. Field, His Life and Work [1819-1892]' is a meticulously researched biography that provides a comprehensive look into the life and achievements of Cyrus W. Field, a prominent figure in the field of telegraphy and transatlantic communication. Judson's writing style is both engaging and informative, offering readers a vivid portrait of Field's struggles and triumphs in the context of the 19th-century industrial revolution. The book delves into Field's ambitious project of laying the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable, showcasing his perseverance and dedication to innovation. Judson's attention to detail and thorough analysis of historical events make this biography a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of technological history. Isabella Field Judson, a descendant of Cyrus W. Field, brings a personal connection to her portrayal of the industrialist's life. Her family background and access to primary sources contribute to the depth and authenticity of her narrative, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of Field's character and legacy. Judson's expertise in the subject matter and her eloquent prose make 'Cyrus W. Field, His Life and Work [1819-1892]' a compelling read for anyone interested in the history of communication technology and entrepreneurial spirit. I highly recommend 'Cyrus W. Field, His Life and Work [1819-1892]' to readers seeking a captivating biography that illuminates the pioneering efforts of Cyrus W. Field in the realm of telegraphy and transatlantic communication. Judson's insightful analysis and engaging storytelling make this book a valuable addition to the literature on 19th-century industrialists and their impact on modern technology.

Describes the successful laying of a cable across the Atlantic Ocean in 1866, exploring the physical, financial, and technological challenges of the project and assessing the impact of the cable on the course of twentieth-century history.

The story of the laying of the trans-Atlantic cable and some of the brilliant men who helped Cyrus Field realize his absurd dream.

Winner of the American Historical Association’s 2022 Eugenia M. Palmegiano Prize. White publishers and editors used their newspapers to build, nurture, and protect white supremacy across the South in the decades after the Civil War. At the same time, a vibrant Black press fought to disrupt these efforts and force the United States to live up to its democratic ideals. Journalism and Jim Crow centers the press as a crucial political actor shaping the rise of the Jim Crow South. The contributors explore the leading role of the white press in constructing an anti-democratic society by promoting and supporting not only lynching and convict labor but also coordinated campaigns of violence and fraud that disenfranchised Black voters. They also examine the Black press’s parallel fight for a multiracial democracy of equality, justice, and opportunity for all—a losing battle with tragic consequences for the American experiment. Original and revelatory, Journalism and Jim Crow opens up new ways of thinking about the complicated relationship between journalism and power in American democracy. Contributors: Sid Bedingfield, Bryan Bowman, W. Fitzhugh Brundage, Kathy Roberts Forde, Robert Greene II, Kristin L. Gustafson, D'Weston Haywood, Blair LM Kelley, and Razvan Sibii