Tesla's Walk - Hardcover

by Jimmy Sena (Author)

Shortlisted for the 2025 Mountain & Plains Reading the West Book Award.

Best poetry book at Atmosphere Press, and finalist for Book of the Year.

Nominated for a National Endowment for the Arts Award Grant (NEA America 250)

Accompany the genius inventor and futurist Nikola Tesla on a poetic journey through one autumn day in 1899 Colorado Springs.

Nikola Tesla's eight-month visit to Colorado Springs in 1899 is integral to his evolution as a genius inventor. Yet, for many, it still exudes an air of mystery and myth. Through a meandering poem and stunning historical photographs, walk along with Tesla one autumn day as he descends the front stairs of the Alta Vista Hotel on Cascade Avenue-as he interacts with citizens in Acacia Park, on Tejon Street, and along Pikes Peak Avenue-as he arrives at his Experimental Station on Knob Hill and engages the thunderous might of his electrical marvels on the eastern plains-as he ends the night in what will become Memorial Park.

Every person, place, and image we encounter is found among our city's primary sources and historical artifacts. After the journey, we can explore detailed explanatory notes and period pictures that give authenticity to the tale. A period map guides us along Tesla's path through town as we imagine Colorado Springs 125 years ago.

Tesla's invitation awaits. Let's go for a walk.