Biographer Kenneth Silverman tells the story of Samuel F. B. Morse, best known as the inventor of the telegraph. The author gives detailed coverage of Morse's conception and invention of the electromagnetic telegraph, and to how the telegraph transformed commerce, the military, and journalism. He reveals a man full of other talents--including prolific output as a painter and stints as a politician (Morse ran for mayor of New York and for Congress) and an art teacher. Most of all, however, the author describes a man who thought of himself largely as a failure, disappointed in his own efforts and achievements. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.