This is a new edition of the 1880 biography of one the great Cornish engineers. William West is best known for his famous "Austen's" engine, the most efficient beam engine ever made. But he achieved much more then that one record breaking steam engine. He was involved in introducing Cornish engines to London, developing the man engine, owning one of the most successful mines in Cornwall and even running a railway.
The sketch was written by an anonymous author just after West's death, and although it lacks any critical appraisal of the engineers life it does give a good introduction to the fascinating life story of famous engineer. This kindle edition includes comments and footnotes from John Manley that expands on the original text, and highlights any major omissions by the original author.
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