Calvin D. Trowbridge, Jr., will discuss his new biography of Guglielmo Marconi , Marconi: Father of Wireless, Grandfather of Radio, Great-Grandfather of the Cell Phone; the Story of the Race to Control Long-Distance Wireless.
Marconi won a Nobel Prize for his leading role in the scientific discoveries that led to the development of wireless communications. However, Marconi’s accomplishments as a scientist are equaled, perhaps exceeded, by his achievements in the business world. Trowbridge chronicles Marconi's journey from entrepreneurial start-up to worldwide monopolist. Says Trowbridge, "Marconi was a giant in his time; akin to Bill Gates and Steve Jobs of today.”.
Trowbridge’s discussion will also cover Marconi’s involvement in amateur ham radio and in beyond-the- horizon naval communication. A few highlights -- Marconi used wireless technology to report on the America’s Cup. The wireless S.O.S. from the Titanic, calling for help, was sent on equipment owned by the Marconi Company by its employees. Wireless naval communication played a vital role during the First World War. The principal naval battle of WWI resulted from Marconi equpment, directed by lead Marconi engineer, spotting German fleet moving out to sea.
