Alan R. Earls Boeken

Focusing on the evolution of military science, this book highlights the pivotal role of U.S. Army Natick Laboratories in advancing soldier health and effectiveness since its establishment in 1953. It showcases nearly two hundred historic images that document significant innovations, including food irradiation, freeze-drying, MREs, body armor, parachute technology, and specialized clothing. The narrative emphasizes the laboratory's contributions to military technology, reflecting the rapid advancements during and after World War II.

The book chronicles the historical significance of the Army Materials Technology Laboratory in Watertown, which was integral to U.S. military advancements from the War of 1812 through the Cold War. It highlights the lab's contributions to powerful artillery, such as the "atomic cannon," and its role as a hub for efficiency studies by experts like Frederick Winslow Taylor. Additionally, it discusses the lab's impact on materials science and its importance as a regional employer, noting visits from prominent figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

The great blizzard of 1978 profoundly affected Greater Boston, leading to a week-long shutdown of transit and leaving many stranded. Coastal areas faced devastating high tides and surf. Amidst the chaos, a spirit of community emerged as neighbors and strangers came together to help one another. This book captures those memories, featuring around 200 photographs from various archives, illustrating the storm's impact and the resilience of the community during that historic event.

The narrative explores the evolution of Greater Boston as a center for innovation, tracing its journey from 19th-century inventions like ether and the telephone to the high-tech boom post-World War II. It highlights Route 128, initially designed to alleviate traffic, which transformed into a hub of industrial parks and technological advancement, earning the nickname "Golden Crescent." The book intricately connects the development of this beltway with the rise of Massachusetts' high-tech industries, pivotal in shaping the modern landscape of personal computing and biotechnology.

The book chronicles the rise of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), founded in 1957 by Ken Olsen with a modest investment. It highlights DEC's pivotal role in the evolution of computer technology, becoming a major player with a peak valuation of over $12 billion and employing around 120,000 people. The narrative explores DEC's contributions to making computers accessible, the emergence of personal computing and gaming, and its involvement in the early Internet, including the first spam email and one of the first commercial domain registrations.

Focusing on Edwin Land's groundbreaking contributions, this book explores the evolution of Polaroid, founded in the 1930s. It highlights the company's pivotal role in developing instant photography and advanced light-polarizing technologies used in modern consumer products. The narrative also delves into Polaroid's wartime efforts, producing essential military products during World War II, and Land's secret Cold War projects that resulted in significant intelligence advancements. Accompanied by images, it celebrates the innovators behind Polaroid's legacy.

Franklin, Massachusetts, named after Benjamin Franklin, showcases the town's remarkable transformation since its bicentennial in 1978, with its population nearly quadrupling. The book explores the town's rich history as a thriving farming and manufacturing hub, highlighting its evolution and the promising future that lies ahead. Through this narrative, readers gain insight into the town's storied past and the developments that have shaped its identity over the years.

"An illustrated exploration of how the Greater Boston area became one of the world's leading centers for innovation"-- Provided by publisher