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Nikola Tesla is a popular scientist, famous inventor and modern visionary, who is known for his work on the modern day Alternative Current (AC) we use. He also worked on several more popular inventions which have made our lives easier today.
What are the Best Nikola Tesla Books to read?
Tesla was born in the Croatia, where he learned about modern engineering along with principles of physics through informal training. He mastered electrical and mechanical techniques through his work in various companies after he immigrated to the United States. Eventually he earned enough to finance his own inventions which he later patented.
His later work focused on wireless communication. Although he could not complete his work in his lifetime, his ingenious workings were the blueprint for the technology we have today. After his death, the SI unit for magnetic flux density was termed ‘Tesla’, as an honour to his scientific contributions.
He was not very popular during his lifetime or even after his death. However, recently his workings have come to light and the science community has renewed its interest in his work. This has given rise to many books on him, some of which are reviewed below:
Best Nikola Tesla Books: Our Top 20 Picks
Here are some of the best Nikola Tesla books that you can consider to expand your knowledge on the subject:
1. My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla
This is an extensive autobiography of the great scientist. It is as detailed as it could be in a first-hand account. He was a genius and this book is enough proof of this.
His early life, his training and his working on numerous inventions are the main content of this book. His narrations are engaging and his work fascinating making it hard to put it down once you start it. His narration of his own life is gripping in a unique way.
Since his work has been underground for very long, this autobiography is ideal for someone who wants to find out more about his life. He was a very gifted scientist, with a wicked sense of humour. This is a highly recommended book for those who are interested in science and history.
- Authors: Nikola Tesla (Author)
- Publisher: Merchant Books; Illustrated Edition (October 2, 2013)
- Pages: 92 pages
2. Tesla: Man Out of Time
This is a comprehensive biography of the wizard scientist, Nikola Tesla. His early life, through his life’s peak years, and up to his death are covered in detail by the author. His amazing story has been told as intriguingly as it could possibly have.
Tesla had developed an outlook of a mad scientist during his work. His theories, inventions and incomplete experiments were famous for being extraordinary, somewhat dangerous, and definitely ahead of his time. It was for this reason he never gained a good popularity until at least the 1990, when we started understanding his works’ true potential.
The author has shined a bright light on the misunderstood genius in this masterpiece. How he spent his life making a mark for centuries to come it is definitely worth a read!
- Authors: Margaret Cheney (Author)
- Publisher: Touchstone; Illustrated Edition (October 9, 2001)
- Pages: 400 pages
3. Wizard: The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla : Biography of a Genius
Yet another biography on the amazing work of Nikola Tesla, this one focuses entirely on his inventions and theories, and how he was deprived of several patents due to politics and conspiracies.
It is widely known now that many inventions that are originally the work of Tesla have been wrongly attributed to other people. Further, many of his working blueprints have yet to be given a physical form or even considered for use in modern times. All such unfortunate details form the main content of this volume.
Tesla’s unique personality traits and his inability to make a name for himself during his lifetime add an interesting personal touch to this book. His unfair treatment and falling victim to conspiracy theories are very interesting making this book a must-have for fans.
- Authors: Marc Seifer (Author)
- Publisher: Citadel; First Edition (November 1, 1996)
- Pages: 542 pages
4. Nikola Tesla: A Life From Beginning to End (Biographies of Inventors)
One of the many biographies on his life, this one follows through his birth in Croatia, to his later life spent in the United States. It is short but covers all the major events in his life, right up to the point of his death. Some of his work is also discussed to give perspective to his life.
The author walks us through how Nikola Tesla developed an interest in the field of engineering as well as in physics, his work with various companies, his inventions and his later life being misunderstood and even feared by his generation. It goes into important details becoming monotonous and boring.
The crisp, to the point and relevant information given in this book is ideal for someone who wants to know more about Tesla’s life, his discoveries, theories and his inventions, without going into unnecessary details or drama.
- Authors: Hourly History (Author)
- Publisher: Independently published (April 19, 2017)
- Pages: 48 pages
5. Tesla : The Lost Inventions (Tesla Technology Series)
Nikola Tesla was unfairly famous more for his dangerous theories and less for his amazing contribution to development of AC current and sources of renewable energy. His experiments include fascinating machines and blueprints for inventions that are termed dangerous even today.
This book is a unique read in that it describes some of these inventions and their mechanisms. It includes inventions which have never been actually developed physically, but have a lot of interest due to their potential benefits for the modern world. Tesla believed there is infinite energy in the universe available anywhere and his inventions made use of such sources.
This book is a like dream come true for science buffs. Its contents make it highly desirable for scientists, students and fans of the amazing mind.
- Authors: George Trinkaus (Author)
- Publisher: High Voltage Press; First Edition (July 2, 2011)
- Pages: 36 pages
6. The Problem of Increasing Human Energy
Written by the genius himself, this book is a piece of art from Tesla. He talks about how mankind is living on this planet and using up energy resources, and how he can optimise his living with renewable energy resources.
The contents of this book prove that Nikola Tesla was not just a scientist or an inventor, but a smart visionary as well. His correct understanding of where human activities are leading the world to and his proposed solutions show how much he cared about the human race. It also shows how misunderstood he was in his time.
For those who care about the planet and the diminishing energy resources, this book is a must-read. It has been written by one of the most genius minds of modern times, which warrants a fair consideration.
- Authors: Nikola Tesla (Author)
- Publisher: Kessinger Publishing, LLC (September 10, 2010)
- Pages: 42 pages
7. Who Was Nikola Tesla?
Targeted towards younger audience of primary school age, this book introduces Nikola Tesla to the young scientists. It covers the working life of Tesla after he arrived in the United States and his numerous inventions and discoveries of the electric current and wireless communication.
Tesla had a short working relationship with another famous, more widely known scientist of the time, Thomas Edison. This biography talks about their work and eventual separation. Young children would be fascinated to know more about how Tesla contributed to the modern machines and wireless communication that we take for granted today.
If you have a young kid interested in science, or teach primary school, this one is highly recommended as a fair and interesting introduction to one of the most innovative minds of the twentieth century.
- Authors: Jim Gigliotti (Author), Who HQ (Author), John Hinderliter (Illustrator)
- Publisher: Penguin Workshop; Illustrated Edition (December 4, 2018)
- Pages: 112 pages
8. The Nikola Tesla Treasury
Another compilation of the legacy of Nikola Tesla, this one compiles his lectures and articles from various sources. Also included are his letters to the editors, covering the works of Marconi and Edison, and Tesla’s comments on several issues during that time.
The contents of this compilation demonstrate the true genius and visionary that he was. He highlighted several aspects not noticed by a common man. It also shines light on the amazing mind that he had as the letters and articles are unedited and are narrated in Tesla’s own words.
Although this is not a biography, not written as a narrative, the contents are all self-explanatory. It is of more use to engineers and skilled people than to the common man, since it talks about the technical aspects of Tesla’s inventions.
- Authors: Nikola Tesla (Author)
- Publisher: Start Publishing LLC (July 1, 2013)
- Pages: 670 pages
9. Tesla: Inventor of the Modern
Nikola Tesla is the man behind almost every technology or machine we use today, whether directly or indirectly. He invented the induction motor, the AC current, wireless communication, cell phones, internet, robots and remote control, amongst many others. Some of his work even gives details on death-ray weapons and interstellar communication, both of which have not yet been developed into their physical forms.
Given all this, it is fair to conclude that he is the man behind all modern inventions. This book depicts just this fact. It talks about his unmatched role in development of the modern world. His mind was way ahead of its time and his work are a true depiction of an almost miraculous standard.
This book reinforces the true visionary image that we should have of the great scientist, but unfortunately his genius was covered up in political controversies.
- Authors: Richard Munson (Author)
- Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1st Edition (October 15, 2019)
- Pages: 20 pages
10. Prodigal Genius: The Extraordinary Life of Nikola Tesla
Going into more personal details rather than focusing on his work, this biography is unique in its approach. It talks about how Tesla’s mind worked; how he developed an interest in engineering, learned the subject, and went on to invent mind-blowing technologies.
The author relates very interesting stories about Tesla’s life. Very few people know how Tesla was robbed of accreditation to several of his inventions, which even led to missing out on the Nobel Prize. The conspiracies and politics around his life sadly prevented him to the reach the fame he deserved.
The true beauty of his genius mind and the sad reality of how he was defamed and ridiculed, not to mention ignored in the books of history, presents a sad and tragic fairy tale of what mad scientists have to face.
- Authors: John J. O’Neill (Author)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1st Edition (November 1, 2014)
- Pages: 322 pages
11. Nikola Tesla: Prophet Of The Modern Technological Age
Tesla was a man way ahead of his time. His work on various inventions was nothing short of near-miracle genius. His inventions while welcomed by many were also feared and even envied by several.
This book goes into the details of Tesla’s friendship with Mark Twain, competition with Thomas Edison, strained ties with J. P. Morgan and furious enmity with Albert Edison. His relationship with the other famous geniuses of his time, narrated in the words of the author, is a very intriguing read.
Tesla led a troubled life due to his eccentricities and almost super-human intelligence. However, his life workings left us with many technologies making our lives easier. His inventions are considered advanced even in today’s world. A fair tribute to his life, this book is highly recommended.
- Authors: Michael W. Simmons (Author)
- Publisher: Make Profits Easy LLC (April 13, 2016)
- Pages: 242 pages
12. The Inventions, Researches and Writings of Nikola Tesla: With Special Reference to His Work in Polyphase Currents and High Potential Lighting
This book is an interesting collection of some of the most important works of Nikola Tesla. His useful inventions, extensive researches and engaging writings have all been compiled in one volume. A special attention has been given to his most important invention to date: the electricity we use today.
The works have all been included as images in their original form, meaning we get to see exactly how Tesla worked through and his thought process. Due accreditations have been added with legal copyright information referring to the libraries where his working papers are originally held.
This compilation presents a unique tribute to one of the true geniuses the world has seen. Since it is Tesla’s own writings, the originality of the scientist is preserved. It is a must-have book for science buffs and avid readers alike.
- Authors: Thomas Commerford Martin (Author), Nikola Tesla (Author)
- Publisher: Andesite Press (August 8, 2015)
- Pages: 522 pages
13. Master of Electricity – Nikola Tesla: A Quick-Read Biography About the Life and Inventions of a Visionary Genius
This one is quite a short biography on the infamous genius scientist. The author talks about Tesla’s early life, his achievements for science and technology, and the las part of his life ending with his death. Although short, it covers all the main details of his life happenings.
Tesla’s life tragedy was him not getting due credit for all his genius and inventions. His work was acknowledged at least 50 years after his death. And even then, due to alterations in recorded history, several of his masterpieces remain missing or ignored. This book is an attempt to return the glory to the forgotten hero, without whom a basic life necessity such as electricity would not have been possible.
This book is quite short, ideal for those who want a main idea of this modern genius.
- Authors: Cynthia A. Parker (Author)
- Publisher: Timber Publishing; 1st Edition (February 28, 2015)
- Pages: 70 pages
14. The Tesla Papers: Nikola Tesla on Free Energy & Wireless Transmission of Power
An interesting compilation of some of Tesla’s most amazing working papers, this book focuses on the energy harnessing solutions that Tesla presented. It also includes the blueprints for his various inventions, which have been unfairly credited to other scientists.
Tesla wrote a unique paper on how energy of the human body can be increased by the sun, and this has been termed as his master blueprint for the future. His papers on wireless communication, anti-gravity, free energy and solar power. He presented his work to the US Navy, but it was not accepted and considered too advanced for the day.
Nikola Tesla was probably one of the best inventors of the modern times and a super-human visionary, who understood the problems of the future. The papers in this compilation are a fascinating and amazing read for all.
- Authors: Nikola Tesla (Author)
- Publisher: Adventures Unlimited Press (December 1, 2000)
- Pages: 100 pages
15. Electrical Wizard: Candlewick Biographies: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World
This book tells the story of the young Tesla working hard on all his inventions, despite opposition from his would-be mentor, Thomas Edison. He succeeded in developing the alternating current even in such a situation, and also invented many smart machines still in use today.
He was a man of many eccentricities. He liked to display his inventions with flair. Some of his famous shows include demonstrating the AC current at the Chicago World Fair and using the energy from Niagara Falls to produce electricity for New York. The stories and their aftermath are discussed engagingly in this interesting book.
The book narrates the incident almost like a storybook, which are aptly supported with bright attractive pictures of the inventions. This biography is an important addition to the many books written on the great man.
- Authors: Elizabeth Rusch (Author), Oliver Dominguez (Illustrator)
- Publisher: Candlewick; Illustrated Edition (September 8, 2015)
- Pages: 56 pages
16. Tesla: The Life and Times of an Electric Messiah (Oxford People)
With a great mind come greater challenges. Tesla is widely known as the inventor of the alternating current we use today. He is also responsible for radio signals, robots, fluorescent lights and several other modern everyday items that we take for granted.
However, few know the unique challenges he faced for being a misunderstood genius in his time. Although he had a photographic memory and could do complicated calculus and physics calculations in his head, he also suffered from hallucinations and what would today be diagnosed as obsessive compulsive disorder.
This book offers a unique perspective on how difficult life is for extraordinary minds. The challenges faced by geniuses such as Tesla cannot be comprehended by the common man. This book is therefore a must-read for those who sympathise with the modern ‘mad scientists’.
- Authors: Nigel Cawthorne (Author)
- Publisher: Chartwell Books; Illustrated Edition (April 5, 2014)
- Pages: 192 pages
17. Nikola Tesla: Lectures and Patents
This volume is a compilation for skilled scientist for their reference and information. It contains several of Tesla’s lectures which he gave to explain his discoveries and inventions, and also lists many of his patented designs.
There are five high-interest lectures included where Tesla talks about his work on high frequency technologies, high voltage machines, oscillators and other related machineries. These fascinating lectures are followed by 112 patents which Tesla had registered at the Patent Office of United States. These are organised categorically and chronologically, and include electricity producing motors, circuitry, aircrafts and wireless telecommunication devices.
This book is ideal for those who want to focus on Tesla’s amazing work. It is high level writing targeted for those learned readers who understand the technical aspects of Tesla’s inventions.
- Authors: Nikola Tesla (Author), Vojin Popovic (Author), Radoslav Horvat (Author), Nikola Nikolic (Author), Rodoljub Colakovic (Introduction)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1st Edition (December 1, 2014)
- Pages: 736 pages
18. Inventions Researches & Writings Nikola
This book records the many, many inventions, research and narratives of the great scientist. His working on inventing technologies like the electricity we have today, the various motor designs, wireless transmissions, X-rays etc. are exemplary and are stated in this book in detail.
His findings in the field of engineering are quite astonishing, unique to the point where scientists are baffled even today. His intelligence outshined many geniuses of the times, and it was for this reason he has been misunderstood, envied and even shunned by the science community.
This beautiful compilation lists many of his working papers, inventions and ideas, which form a fascinating read for the scientists of today. Few men are as gifted as Tesla was and his futuristic work is valid proof of that.
19. Nikola Tesla: My Life, My Research
An engaging autobiography, this book talks about everything the history books did not. Tesla was not understood or cherished during his life, or even later. This meant that his work was either ignored by historians or credited to someone else. As unfair as it was to him, there is little the modern world could do to correct that.
This autobiography was an attempt by the great scientist himself to put right the misconceptions surrounding his life. He talks about his work and inventions as well as his role in developing many innovative technologies in use today, like electricity, wireless transmission and fluorescent lights, to name a few.
This book is divided into three main parts: his autobiography, his major research work and several good quality images of some of his life’s main events and highlights.
- Authors: Nikola Tesla (Author)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1st Edition (June 30, 2014)
- Pages: 336 pages
20. The Wall of Light: Nikola Tesla and the X-12 Spaceship
Nikola Tesla was an eccentric believer of the extra-terrestrial. He claimed to see and hear voices and even have met alien lifeforms. One of these meetings has been described in this book by his friend, the author.
Tesla claimed to have met a couple from Venus, “Frank and Frances”, who are claimed to be Commander Thor and his wife Deena. The author gives an account of this meeting and the incidents that followed. It was believed that his work was influenced by this meeting encounter, and the author has focused on this belief while narrating the happenings.
Although there are many who do not believe in the existence of extra-terrestrial life, and therefore disregard this book as being a work of fiction, several also claim that Tesla himself was out of his world because of his unique genius.
- Authors: Arthur H. Matthews (Author), Gray Barker (Author), Nikola Tesla (Contributor)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 27, 2017)
- Pages: 146 pages
Choosing the Best Nikola Tesla Books
Nikola Tesla was a true visionary, a genius scientist and an unfairly treated inventor. He has been robbed of his due credit to his inventions like electricity, radio and modern telecommunication. His inventions and work have long been buried under the history books of the more famous names like Thomas Edison and Marconi, discovered and acknowledged only recently. If his published works gave us electricity, radio and the internet, who knows what wonders and miracles his unpublished papers are capable of giving he modern world!