Given the world-changing success of radio in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it’s no wonder that so many scientists, physicists, and engineers have been credited with its invention.

Susan Morrison's biography of the late-night comedy producer is also the history of a pop culture institution, now marking its 50th year.

After all, the origin of radio is a pretty controversial topic. Luckily, you don’t need to know who invented radio to enjoy it. The first transmitter uses a canned oscillator, to which it ...