In "Lives of Boulton and Watt: Principally from the Original Soho Mss," Samuel Smiles chronicles the transformative partnership between two of the Industrial Revolution's most pivotal figures: Matthew Boulton and James Watt. This work is not merely a biographical account but also a literary tapestry woven from extensive original manuscripts, highlighting the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial zeal that defined the era. Smiles employs a narrative style marked by both scholarly rigor and engaging storytelling, immersing readers in the socio-economic context of 18th-century England, where industry and invention reshaped society. Samuel Smiles, a Scottish author and social reformer, dedicated his life to advocating for self-help and positive individualism. His background in engineering and passionate interest in the mechanics of progress led him to explore the lives of Boulton and Watt, not only as inventors but as quintessential examples of the industrious spirit that he celebrated throughout his works. Their legacies align seamlessly with Smiles' ethos of self-improvement, making this biography a compelling exploration of human potential. This book is recommended for both historians and general readers interested in the cultural and technological forces that propelled the Industrial Revolution. Smiles' insightful analysis and vivid storytelling breathe life into the remarkable achievements of Boulton and Watt, providing invaluable lessons on perseverance, ingenuity, and the undeniable power of collaboration. Readers will find themselves immersed in a narrative that rewards curiosity about the birth of modern engineering and the individual stories that contributed to this era of unprecedented growth and change. This volume is poised to enrich one's understanding of the personal drives that fuel collective human progress, and it is an indispensable addition to the library of any scholar interested in the engines that powered our past and continue to inspire our future.