Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge
- Book Review,
by David G. McCullough
Amazon.com
In the 19th century, the Brooklyn Bridge was viewed as the greatest engineering feat of mankind. The Roeblings--father and son--toiled for decades, fighting competitors, corrupt politicians, and the laws of nature to fabricate a bridge which, after 100 years, still provides one of the major avenues of access to one of the world's busiest cities--as compared to many bridges built at the same time which collapsed within decades or even years. It is refreshing to read such a magnificent story of real architecture and engineering in an era where these words refer to tiny bits and bytes that inspire awe only in their abstract consequences, and not in their tangible physical magnificence.
From Publishers Weekly
This outstanding audio adaptation brings to life the Herculean struggles behind the creation of one of this country's most recognizable and enduring landmarks. Herrmann's rich, expressive voice perfectly complements McCullough's stately language, and the combination of their talents—coupled with the impressiveness of the engineering marvel that is the Brooklyn Bridge—makes this a compulsive listen. Subtle changes in Herrmann's tone clearly set off quotations without interrupting the flow, and though this audiobook is abridged, the deleted segments are briefly summarized by an unobtrusive second narrator so that listeners never feel as if they're missing part of the story. While there are some descriptions of the 13-year construction process that would have benefited from illustrations, the production as a whole is superb. Listeners cannot help being moved by the grandeur of the structure and by the spectacular risks taken by the men who worked on it, particularly chief engineer Washington Roebling, who remained the driving force behind the bridge despite being crippled by the bends and bedridden for many years. Drama of every kind can be found here: political scandals, intense rivalries, extreme loyalty, a charming love story, heroism, spectacular near-disasters, death, illness and war. Once called the eighth wonder of the world, the Brooklyn Bridge still inspires artists and photographers, tourists and natives alike, and it is the only stone-towered, steel-cabled bridge in the world. In this excellent production, listeners will be inspired anew. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Robert Kirsch, Los Angeles Times
...a book so compelling and complete as to be a literary monument, one of the best books I have read in years. McCullough has written that sort of work which brings us to the human center of the past.
From AudioFile
The building of the Brooklyn Bridge--at the time, the longest suspension bridge in the world--over 14 years took its toll on the men who built it. Among the casualties were the men who led the project --John Roebling, who died of lockjaw following an accident at the site, and his son Washington, who suffered from decompression sickness. Edward Herrmann brings the story alive by making it a human story of the Roebling family and the workers who executed their vision. Although constructed from dry sources, the account brings alive the sacrifices made for this engineering marvel. This emphasis on the human side makes the story a natural for audio. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
Review
Christopher Lehmann-Haupt The New York Times After reading David McCullough's account, you will never look at the old bridge in quite the same way again.
Book Description
Celebrating the centennial of the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge, here is the classic account of one of the greatest engineering feats of all time.
Buy from Amazon
Compare Prices
|
|
Home
