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Tesla for Beginners book offers a concise, illustrated biography of Nikola Tesla for readers with little prior knowledge.
Key Facts
- Author: Robert I. Sutherland‑Cohen, associate professor (emeritus) at Brooklyn College.
- Illustrator: Owen Brozman, noted graphic‑novel artist.
- Publisher: For Beginners Books, released in 2024.
- Length: 192 pages, 13 chapters, includes graphic panels.
- Available: iOS, Android, PDF via Perlego.
What Is “Tesla for Beginners” and Who Is It For?
The book is a graphic nonfiction work that introduces the life, inventions, and personality of Nikola Tesla to a general audience. It targets students, casual readers, and anyone seeking a reliable overview without technical jargon.
According to the publisher’s description, the text “reveals the man of genius and idiosyncrasy behind alternating current and wireless technologies” and is suitable for “students of any age” (For Beginners Books). The combination of concise narrative and visual storytelling makes complex concepts accessible.
Author and Illustrator Backgrounds
Robert I. Sutherland‑Cohen holds a B.S. in mathematics from Northeastern University and an M.F.A. in directing from Boston University. He has spent decades as a stage manager for Broadway and off‑Broadway productions and teaches at Brooklyn College. His expertise in storytelling informs the book’s clear, chronological structure.
Owen Brozman, the illustrator, previously worked on the New York Times bestseller *You Have to Fucking Eat* and the graphic novel *Nature of the Beast*. His portfolio includes commissions for National Geographic and Time Out New York, bringing a polished visual style to the biography.
How the Book Is Structured
“Tesla for Beginners” follows a logical progression from early life to later inventions. The chapters are:
| Chapter | Title | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overview of a Genius | Introductory portrait of Tesla’s character. |
| 2 | Higher Education, Process of Discovery | Academic training in engineering. |
| 3 | The Phoenix Rises | Early career in Europe. |
| 4 | Arrival in America | 1884 immigration with “four cents in his pocket.” |
| 5 | Alternating Current Triumph | War of currents with Edison. |
| 6 | Electrifying Dreams | Wardenclyffe Tower and wireless power. |
| 7 | Personal Quirks | Phobias, habits, and public persona. |
| 8 | Riding the Roller Coaster | Inventions, bankruptcies, honors. |
| 9 | Later Years | Final projects and legacy. |
| 10‑13 | Appendices & Resources | Glossary, timeline, further reading. |
The layout intersperses short text blocks with illustrated panels, allowing readers to pause and absorb visual cues before moving on.
What Readers Say About Accuracy
Jane Alcorn, President of the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, praises the book in the foreword: “In this work of graphic nonfiction, students of any age can find solid information and background about a genius who gave so much to the world.”
Similarly, Nikola Lonchar, President/Founder of the Tesla Science Foundation, notes that “there is a lot of inaccurate information floating around, but this author has done a very good job of telling a true story.” Both endorsements highlight the book’s commitment to factual integrity.
How the Book Compares to Other Tesla Biographies
Compared with traditional biographies such as *Tesla: Inventor of the Electrical Age* (by W. Bernard Carlton), “Tesla for Beginners” offers a shorter reading time (approximately 4‑5 hours) and a visual format. The following table summarizes key differences:
| Aspect | Tesla for Beginners | Traditional Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192 pages | 400+ pages |
| Target Audience | Beginners, students | Scholars, enthusiasts |
| Illustrations | Full‑color graphic panels | Few photos, mostly text |
| Reading Time | 4‑5 hours | 10‑12 hours |
| Price (USD) | $24.99 (e‑book) | $39.95 (hardcover) |
For readers seeking a quick, engaging introduction, the graphic approach is the clear winner.
Where to Access the Book
The digital edition is available through Perlego, a subscription platform that offers over 1.5 million titles for a monthly fee. As of the latest data, 375,005 students have accessed the book via Perlego, indicating strong academic interest.
Physical copies can be ordered from the For Beginners Books website or major retailers. The ISBNs are 978‑1939994486 (hardcover) and 978‑1939994493 (paperback).
How the Book Supports Learning
Perlego’s platform includes study tools such as highlights, notes, and flashcards. These features enable readers to reinforce key concepts like Tesla’s patents (nearly 300) and his work on alternating current.
Educators can incorporate the book into curricula for high‑school physics or history classes, using the visual panels to spark discussion about early 20th‑century innovation.
Related Resources on News Protocol
For readers interested in modern applications of Tesla’s ideas, see our guide on Tesla Self Drive Guide: How to Use Autopilot & Full‑Self DrivingThose curious about Tesla’s broader product line may consult the Tesla Model Examples: A Complete Guide to Every Current Vehicle
FAQ
Who wrote Tesla for Beginners?
Robert I. Sutherland‑Cohen, an associate professor (emeritus) at Brooklyn College, authored the book.
What age group is the book suitable for?
It is designed for readers of any age, especially students and adults new to Tesla’s life.
Is the information in the book historically accurate?
Endorsements from the Tesla Science Center and the Tesla Science Foundation confirm a high level of factual accuracy.
Can I read the book on a mobile device?
Yes, the e‑book is available for iOS and Android via Perlego.
How many pages does the book contain?
The print edition runs 192 pages, organized into 13 chapters and supplemental material.
Sources: For Beginners Books – Tesla for Beginners – Perlego – Tesla for Beginners PDFUpdated: November 7, 2026.
