The Impossible Dream by Barry J. Whyte
Synopsis
In 2006, a previously unknown Irish technology company by the name of Steorn created headlines globally when it took out a full-page ad in The Economist, in which it claimed to have made the scientific breakthrough of this - or any other - century: perpetual motion, nothing less than a complete and immediate solution to the global energy crisis.
The investment money poured in, with some of Ireland's most respected entrepreneurs and institutions getting on board, but the demonstration was a spectacular failure. So how did so many well-meaning and otherwise sensible people get things so desperately, absurdly wrong? The story begins with a malfunctioning CCTV system and ends with an exploding battery, and it drives home Ireland's frenzied state of mind during the Celtic Tiger years.
Reviews
'A compelling and frequently bizarre read' The Sunday Times (Ireland Edition)
'The Impossible Dream, Barry J Whyte's new book about the rise and fall of what he describes as "the Celtic Tiger's most audacious start-up", proves once again that not all publicity is good publicity. It also shows that smart people can be as likely as fools to be easily parted with their money.' Irish Times
'An extraordinary story and a fascinating book.’ Pat Kenny
About the Author
Barry J. Whyte is an award-winning journalist and author. He is currently Chief Features Writer for the Business Post.