The world’s first radio station still broadcasting today was invented by Charles Herrold in 1909 in San Jose, California. This biography focuses on how Herrold used primitive technology to get
on the air. Herrold’s story is one of early triumph and final failure, the story of an ＂everyman＂ innovator who never received recognition. His most important work was done between 1912 and
1917, and following World War I, he received a license and operated station KQW for several years before running out of money. Toiling later in ever more menial jobs, Herrold told anyone who
would listen to him that he was the father of radio. The authors also consider some other early inventors, and the directions that their work took.
