Ted and the Telephone

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23292

Title

Ted and the Telephone

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in early 20th-century New Hampshire, this historical fiction follows Ted Turner, a young inventor trapped in a mill town, and his friendship with the wealthy but ill Laurie Fernald. Blending adventure with the true story of the telephone's invention, the book explores themes of innovation, class disparity, and the transformative power of technology.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the industrial town of Freeman's Falls, New Hampshire, *Ted and the Telephone* by Sara Ware Bassett contrasts the grim reality of mill life with the boundless potential of invention. The story centers on Ted Turner, a boy who dreams of electricity rather than factory work, and Laurie Fernald, the sickly heir to the town's wealthy mill owners. While Laurie struggles with a debilitating illness that confines him to a wheelchair, Ted experiments with telegraphs and wireless devices in a small shack, often facing opposition from his family who fear his dangerous experiments. The narrative weaves the personal drama of the Fernald family with the historical struggle of Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Watson to perfect the telephone. Through flashbacks and lessons from a tutor, the book details the early days of electrical experimentation, the failure of the harmonic telegraph, and the eventual breakthrough of the telephone. A devastating flood destroys Ted's home, but the Fernalds respond with generosity, rebuilding Ted's home as a proper cottage and constructing a new community for the town's workers. A pivotal moment occurs when Grandfather Fernald reveals a secret hope: Laurie may be cured by a renowned surgeon in Vienna. After months of painful recovery, Laurie undergoes a miraculous recovery, regaining his health and strength. The story concludes with both boys dedicating their lives to improving the lives of others. They eventually manage the family mills with a spirit of brotherhood and service, aiming to bridge the gap between capital and labor. Even as they run the business, they maintain their scientific interests, continuing to honor the pioneers who made global communication possible. The novel serves as an inspiring tale of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of invention and human kindness.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23292.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg23292.epub

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2026-07-06 06:49 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction