Microwave Man: Percy Spencer and His Sizzling Invention

Born in late 1800s’ Maine to a life of hardship, Percy Spencer went on to revolutionize radar-tube production during World War II and become the holder of over 300 patents. Readers will enjoy the numerous anecdotes about Spencer’s creative process (he thought up the microwave after noticing that a candy bar melted in his pocket from the heat of nearby radar tubes). In addition, the book provides interesting details about early microwave models, the first of which weighed 750 pounds and cost $3,000! “Real Fact!” pages with diagrams present concepts such as radar, electromagnetic waves, and safe microwave use. Black-and-white and color photographs show Spencer and his inventions as well as reproductions of a patent drawing and an early microwave advertisement. Back matter includes a “You Be the Inventor” section, time line of Spencer’s life, glossary, book and Web-site resources, and an index.