Most of us know - at least we've heard - that Benjamin Franklin conducted some kind of electrical experiment with a kite. This book makes clear that Franklin played a major role in laying the foundations of modern electrical science and technology.
"In focusing an archeologist's eye on electrical technology in the eighteenth century, Michael Brian Schiffer brings fresh and valuable insight to the study of the process of technological diffusion. At the same time he provides a lively account of how an interest in electricity spread across a surprisingly broad range of Enlightenment society."-Bernard Finn, Curator, Electrical Collections, Smithsonian Institution
"Michael Brian Schiffer brings his love of technology and archaeology together into a great story of the Age of Enlightenment. A wonderful read for those who want to dive into compelling stories of artifacts, people and scientific thought. Draw the Lightning Down pushes archaeology into times and technology where it has not gone before. This is an absorbing and literally electrifying book!"-Pamela J. Cressey, City Archaeologist, Alexandria Archaeology
