Charles P. Steinmetz was able to work magic—the magic of science. His remarkable discoveries in the field of electricity helped usher in the twentieth century in America. Learning about him is important. But this story of which he is the hero will delight the reader for its own sake.

Dorothy Markey has had an unusual opportunity to get insight into the character of the warm, lovable, little hunchback. She has drawn on the personal memories of his grandson, Joseph Hayden, and of friends who knew Steinmetz in his younger days in Yonkers and even earlier, when he arrived in New York—a penniless immigrant, speaking German and French, Latin and Greek but no English! From these personal contacts and from the records of the General Electric Company and the words of such friends as Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Henry Ford and the hundreds of younger scientists who came under Steinmetz' influence, Dorothy Markey has woven an absorbing tale.

At the same time, Charles Steinmetz' amazing insight into the properties of electricity, the complex mathematical laws whose discovery changed the face of America are explained so clearly that boys and girls of scientific bent will find this book especially satisfying.

THE LITTLE GIANT OF SCHENECTADY is illuminated by E. Harper Johnson’s vigorous and accurate illustrations.

"I found the story most interesting—rich in its scientific background and human values. If young people today are touched by the story as I was—and I sincerely believe they will be—the book will find a real place in the education of young Americans." —Augustus Klock. Emeritus Head of the Physical Science Department, Fieldston School, Riverdale, New York

THE LITTLE GIANT OF SCHENECTADY is one of the American Heritage Series of which the Science Education Quarterly writes: "The books should inspire young people to a better understanding of what America really is... the literary style makes for easy and interesting reading... excellent for all young Americans... a valuable contribution."

From the dust jacket