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Description
The Most Powerful Idea in the World: A Story of Steam, Industry, and InventionHardly a week passes without some high profile court case that features intellectual property at its center. But how did the belief that one could own an idea come about? And how did that belief change the way humankind lives and works? William Rosen, author of Justinian's Flea, seeks to answer these questions and more with The Most Powerful Idea in the World. A lively and passionate study of the engineering and scientific breakthroughs that led to
Hardly a week passes without some high-profile court case that features intellectual property at its center. But how did the belief that one could own an idea come about? And how did that belief change the way humankind lives and works?
William Rosen, author of Justinian's Flea, seeks to answer these questions and more with The Most Powerful Idea in the World. A lively and passionate study of the engineering and scientific breakthroughs that led to the steam engine, this book argues that the very notion of intellectual property drove not only the invention of the steam engine but also the entire Industrial Revolution: history's first sustained era of economic improvement. To do so, Rosen conjures up an eccentric cast of characters, including the legal philosophers who enabled most the inventive society in millennia, and the scientists and inventors--Thomas Newcomen, Robert Boyle, and James Watt--who helped to create and perfect the steam engine over the centuries. With wit and wide-ranging curiosity, Rosen explores the power of creativity, capital, and collaboration in the brilliant engineering of the steam engine and how this power source, which fueled factories, ships, and railroads, changed human history. Deeply informative and never dull, Rosen's account of one of the most important inventions made by humans is a rollicking ride through history, with careful scholarship and fast-paced prose in equal measure.Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Published: 03/15/2012
ISBN: 9780226726342
Pages: 370
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.00w x 1.00d
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4.8 ★★★★★
Based on 8 reviews
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
Exactly what I needed.
Size: 42in, Color: 2-layer, Size: 42in, Color: 2-layer
Perfect.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026
★★★★★ 5
A Spa-tacular Addition to My Bathroom Oasis!
Size: 24in-Shelve
Perfect Statement Piece for My Spa-Like Bathroom!
I know this review is super delayed~I’ve been living out of the country, and only just got around to installing this beautiful shelving unit. But wow, it was worth the wait! I hung it in my bathroom above the jacuzzi tub where I have vaulted ceilings and a skylight, and it fits perfectly. It adds the perfect industrial-chic touch I was looking for.
I use it to store all my bath oils, salts, and candles, and it’s transformed the space into a relaxing, elevated sanctuary. The quality is fantastic and it was easy to install. Honestly, it looks like something out of a spa catalog. Highly recommend for anyone looking to upgrade their bathroom with both function and style!
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Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Great deal for the money, look sharp, and very sturdy
Size: 32in-Shelves, Size: 32in-Shelves
I was looking to create pipe shelves in our living room. After spending some time researching prices for pipe and wood, I determined that I would save money by buying a couple sets of these shelves.
When the shelves came in, I was happy to learn that they were indeed good quality and easy to assemble. They come with mounting hardware, but I’d recommend better mounts for the walls than the ones supplied.
Overall, I love the look of these shelves. The wood is described as reclaimed, but it’s pretty much cheap, light wood with a stain. They still look good and are sturdy. The pipes has some silver paint brushed on them to give them a distressed look. I thought it was actually a little cheesy looking, but I happened to have iron-colored spray paint, so I just respirated them.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2020
★★★★★ 5
Modern Farmhouse Towel Rack
Beautiful. Sturdy. Shelves have enough depth to be useful. Would buy again. Great price.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Pretty good quality.
Size: 32in-Shelves, Size: 32in-Shelves
My husband and put this together and hung pretty easily. Instructions are clear. It helps to have a drill bit. Good quality, good look.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2025