Simply Electrifying

This is a book on the history of electricity by Craig Roach.  The first 6 chapters of the book was very interesting and fascinating. The rest of the book, in my opinion, mostly are not related to the history of electricity, it seems that the author just wanted to fill the pages, make the book as long as possible and also make political statements on histories remotely related to electricity 

So my suggestion is to read only the first 6 chapters of the book, ignore the rest.

Here is a brief recap of the history of electricity. 

Modern electricity started with Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment using kite to draw electricity from lightening. Even though there were debates on if he did the kite experiment or not, the sentry box experiment* he proposed was performed by a French scientist Thomas-François Dalibard to demonstrate that lightening was electricity (1752).  Because of this experiment and understanding, Franklin proposed to use lightening rod to protect buildings.

The most important scientist for electricity is Michael Faraday, an Englishman, who received little formal education, was one of the most influential scientists in history. Through experimentation (1812 - 1831) he established the relation between magnetism and electricity. These observations form the basis for the concept of electromagnetic field. Further more his invention of electromagnetic rotary devices, along with James Watt steam engine made electricity generation independent of  hydraulic power, and become practical.

Based on Faraday's experiments, James Maxwell developed concept of electromagnetic field and formulated the corresponding mathematical  theory for electromagnetism, and thus the well-known Maxwell Equations, 1855 - 1861. He also established the equivalency between electricity, magnetism and light. He had profound influence on Albert Einstein and the development of the field of special relativity.

James Maxwell (from Wikipedia)

Franklin, Faraday and Maxwell created the foundation for electricity, which in turn ushered the era of great inventions and wide applications of electricity. 

Samuel Morse's invention of Morse's code (1832-1833) led to the telecommunications.

Thomas Edison's numerous inventions, including light bulbs, made the electricity to improve human life. One blemish in Edison's glorious career (1877 - 1930, **) was his opposition to alternate current (AC). 

The prominent proponents and inventors related to AC were Nicola Tesla and George Westinghouse.

By now, electricity can be generated anywhere from steam engine (and later nuclear material), and AC made long distance transmission of electricity possible.  

Another important figure in the history of electricity is Samuel Insull, who established electricity exchange and democratized the usage of electricity (1892-1920s).

That's pretty much the electricity as we know it today, including generation transmission, and usage.

* sentry box experiments : large box with people standing on insulation, a rod 40 feet into sky to draw lightning.

** GE is originated from Edison General Electric Company