Books in Signature Lives: Modern America series

Born in 1928, Maya Angelou emerged from a tumultuous youth to become one of the leading voices for African-Americans. Her vibrant autobiographical works describe her journey, which has included experiences as a dancer, newspaper editor, civil rights worker, actor, and teacher. Her poetry describes and interprets the black experience in America. Now in her 80s, Angelou continues to write poetry and essays while maintaining an active public speaking schedule.

As a young boy, Thomas Alva Edison was fascinated with technology and chemical experiments. Later, his attempt to improve the telegraph led to his first creation, the phonograph, that set the stage for his life of discovery and invention. His incandescent light bulb made him a popular hero, and many dubbed him the Wizard of Menlo Park. Driven by his curiosity and desire to make life easier for everyone, Edison ended up changing the world.

At the turn of the 20th century, J. Pierpont Morgan was one of the wealthiest and most powerful people in the United States. He reorganized and controlled major banks and railroads and merged companies to establish giant corporations like U.S. Steel and General Electric. Many people trusted Morgan, whose efforts often rescued a weakening U.S. economy. Morgan helped expand and strengthen the nation’s growing financial system and established some of the world’s largest banks and industries.