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Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/articles/ inventor-of-the-future-book-review-buckminster-fullers-big-designs-11664551418 * Books & Arts * Books * Bookshelf 'Inventor of the Future' Review: Buckminster Fuller's Big Designs The visionary who brought the world the geodesic dome and the 'Dymaxion House' was a genius whose ideas didn't always mesh with the world around him. []Buckminster Fuller next to a model of his Dymaxion house, ca.1930. Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images By Shlomo Angel Sept. 30, 2022 11:24 am ET print Listen to article (3 minutes) Buckminster Fuller believed in solving problems by design. In fact, he believed that all the problems, large and small, facing Spaceship Earth--the term he coined for our planet--could be solved by great minds, if only politicians got out of the way. For the futurist problem-solvers of the 20th century, Fuller was a touchstone, dreaming up inventions like the prefabricated Dymaxion House to address the world's housing shortages. Ever the optimist, ever the outsider, Fuller never tired of trying to pull humanity toward a better future. Alec Nevala-Lee's authoritative biography, "Inventor of the Future: The Visionary Life of Buckminster Fuller" tells Fuller's story in greater detail than ever. Mr. Nevala-Lee, a sci-fi novelist who has also written extensively about that genre, dwells at length on Fuller's inventions and innovative concepts. But his true interest seems to be in looking beyond Fuller the myth to Fuller the man. This biography takes the reader on a long and arduous journey, accompanying Fuller as he tirelessly dives into new ventures intended to change the world, never managing to make them commercially successful. [wsj-logo-b] Continue reading your article with a WSJ membership View Membership Options Already a member? Sign In Sponsored Offers * Walmart: Walmart coupon: $20 off your $50+ order * Nike: Fall Savings - Up to 65% off Nike's hottest styles * The Home Depot: $50 discount sitewide - Home Depot Coupon * Wayfair: Up to 15% off + free shipping at Wayfair * Ulta Beauty: Treat for You! Free 17-piece beauty bag ($81 value) * Hotels.com: Hotels.com October Deals - Save 20% or more Most Popular news * U.S. Chess Grandmaster 'Likely Cheated' More Than 100 Times, Probe Finds U.S. Chess Grandmaster 'Likely Cheated' More Than 100 Times, Probe Finds * U.N. Calls on Fed, Other Central Banks to Halt Rate Rises U.N. 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