This week’s newspaper column looks for an intersection between famous inventors who traveled together in the early 20th C, and the old argument over “design” in the universe.

Here’s a brief excerpt from

“Creative Designers of Wonders, Words and Worlds”

“While preparing to teach two fall courses, I enjoyed some “lighter” summer reading: American Journey: On the Road with Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and John Burroughs. Having previously read a biography of Edison, and having taught several classes on the naturalist John Burroughs, I was drawn to the story of how these geniuses became friends and traveled together. I was even more intrigued by the fact they drove through so many states during an influenza epidemic and a world war. Each man brought his unique skills, humor and curiosity to the road trips, each driven by a deep love for the natural world.”

Check out the whole column this weekend in your local paper or here.