Last Days of Night by Graham Moore

by:  Graham Moore
published by: Random House
publish date:  August 16, 2016

New York, 1888. Gas lamps still flicker in the city streets, but the miracle of electric light is in its infancy. The person who controls the means to turn night into day will make history—and a vast fortune. A young untested lawyer named Paul Cravath, fresh out of Columbia Law School, takes a case that seems impossible to win. Paul’s client, George Westinghouse, has been sued by Thomas Edison over a billion-dollar question: Who invented the light bulb and holds the right to power the country?

The case affords Paul entry to the heady world of high society—the glittering parties in Gramercy Park mansions, and the more insidious dealings done behind closed doors. The task facing him is beyond daunting. Edison is a wily, dangerous opponent with vast resources at his disposal—private spies, newspapers in his pocket, and the backing of J. P. Morgan himself. Yet this unknown lawyer shares with his famous adversary a compulsion to win at all costs. How will he do it?

LOVED THIS BOOK!!  That's all I feel I really need to say about it.  I picked it up because I really love books written about turn of the century New York.  

Paul is a very young lawyer and he gets handed the case of a lifetime.  His client is George Westinghouse who is being sued by Thomas Edison over the lightbulb.  Edison claims the patent rights are his and George Westinghouse is infringing on his rights by selling his own brand of lightbulbs.  The case gets wild and crazy when Nikola Tesla comes on the scene with his alternating current electricity.   George Westinghouse recognizes that it's a game changer, but Edison is steadfastly determined to stick with direct current.  Edison will do anything and everything to make sure things workout in his favor.

This was such a interesting story and the fact that it was based on true events made it so much better.  It was well written and beautifully captured the spirit of the time.  Last Days of Night will appeal to a wide audience.  If you liked the Caleb Carr books, then this one will be a new favorite!