The power to change the world - James Watt (1736-1819). A life in 50 objects.  Edited by Malcolm Dick and Kate Croft
 
James Watt (1736-1819) transformed the steam engine – the most significant invention of the Industrial Revolution. Without Watt there would have been no locomotives, steamships, or factories where machines were energised by coal. Watt was, however, much more – a scientist who also developed the concept of horsepower, made the first commercial copying machine, and gave his name to a unit of power – the Watt. This fascinating, complicated and iconic figure is depicted and considered within the pages of this book.