This book describes how the telegraph, invented in the 1830’s, became indispensable to the point that by 1851 there were more than 50 companies providing telegraphic service in the United States alone. The invention then became a principle factor in warfare beginning with the American Civil War, was a major part of the creation of the first large corporation in America, Western Union, and proved capable of fostering long distance communication with the laying of the Atlantic Cable. Even though its’ basic impact was short lived since it was largely replaced by the telephone, the impact it created was huge and widespread.