Author Steven Johnson joins Larry Mantle to discuss his new book, The Invention of Air which recounts the story of the brilliant but little-known 18th century scientist British scientist, theologian and political philosopher Joseph Priestly. Widely credited with the discovery of oxygen, Priestly was also, according to Johnson, a kind of Lost Founding Father, who through close relationships with Ben Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, greatly influenced the ideas on which the United States was founded. Larry talks with author Steven Johnson about Joseph Priestly and his contributions to the birth of the nation.
Guest:
Steven Johnson, author of The Invention of Air: A Story of Science Faith, Revolution and the Birth of America (Riverhead Books).