In "The Wizard of Menlo Park," Randall E. Stross peels back the layers of myth that have long enshrouded Thomas Alva Edison, revealing the complex figure beneath the veneer of America’s quintessential inventor. Hailed as the "Napoleon of invention," Edison's life was a tapestry of astounding achievements and monumental failures, a narrative that Stross navigates with keen insight and meticulous research. From the phonograph to the electric light, Edison's inventions transformed the world, but as Stross deftly illustrates, the man behind these innovations was far more intricate and flawed than the glowing public profiles of his era suggested. Through vivid storytelling, Stross invites readers to explore the true essence of Edison's genius, not only as an inventor but as a master of self-promotion who arguably became his own greatest creation. This critical biography delves deep into Edison's relationships with his assistants, rivals, and the celebrities of his time, including his close friend Henry Ford, shedding light on the collaborative and competitive nature of invention. Stross challenges the traditional narrative, questioning how much of Edison’s success was truly his own and how much can be attributed to those who worked in his shadow. "The Wizard of Menlo Park" is not just a recounting of technological breakthroughs; it's a rich, nuanced portrayal of a man struggling to maintain his legacy in the face of changing times, and a society captivated by the promise of a new technological age. Stross’s work stands as a compelling reassessment of Thomas Edison’s life, inviting readers to ponder the price of innovation and the crafting of a legend.