Hedy's Folly
The Life and Breakthrough Inventions of Hedy Lamarr, the Most Beautiful Woman inthe World
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3.9 • 51 Ratings
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes delivers a remarkable story of science history: how a ravishing film star and an avant-garde composer invented spread-spectrum radio, the technology that made wireless phones, GPS systems, and many other devices possible.
Beginning at a Hollywood dinner table, Hedy's Folly tells a wild story of innovation that culminates in U.S. patent number 2,292,387 for a "secret communication system." Along the way Rhodes weaves together Hollywood’s golden era, the history of Vienna, 1920s Paris, weapons design, music, a tutorial on patent law and a brief treatise on transmission technology. Narrated with the rigor and charisma we've come to expect of Rhodes, it is a remarkable narrative adventure about spread-spectrum radio's genesis and unlikely amateur inventors collaborating to change the world.
Customer Reviews
Good book... Not Great, But Worth Reading.
An interesting book; not up to Rhodes' high standards, but still worth reading. This book is about Hedy Lamarr, and EVERYONE ELSE who impacted her life, career, and invention. The story kind of rambles in some places but inevitably gets back on track, and ends well.
Yawn
Great subject, scattered interesting facts and historical perspective - poorly organized, and confusing as to who this story is about. Hedy shows up about every 10th page. Don't waste money buying this book - borrow it....