Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, men and women of vision have won fame and fortune by the simple means of having the right idea at the right time. This is not their story. Instead, this book pays homage to the unsung heroes of the technological age, those on whom the light of inspiration only briefly flickered, the fallen footsoldiers in the war of ideas. They stood on the verge of renown and riches, only to be thwarted at the last by a cruel obstacle - their ideas didn't work. But they also had faith - a belief in their creation so strong that they sought protection in the form of a patent, which has ensured that the bright thought itself has been preserved for the benefit of future generations. Clive Anderson and Ian Brown have selected 75 of the most intriguing patented ideas ever recorded and have added their own humorous commentary to produce this book.