Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge (Touchstone Book)

Like so many things in life I came across David McCullough's work by good fortune, in that, I was doing post-graduate history research and saw his book entitled 'The Wright Brothers.' Since then my library now includes five of his other excellent fact-based books, all of which have been highly interesting, well researched and equally well-written. 'The Great Bridge' is no exception. It tells the story of why and how this incredible piece of engineering came into being, largely due to the intellect and dedication of the Roebling family, although they were not alone, since many others such as Brooklyn politicians, entrepreneurs, high-end engineers and a couple of swindlers and last but certainly not least, an extraordinary lady by the name of Emily, who together came to design and then supervise the construction of what at the time was the world's longest suspension bridge, connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan, New York. With the exception of the eye bars which had to be forged, all other major parts of the bridge were of a relatively new material , which engineers referred to as steel. Whilst the Brooklyn Bridge spanning the East River is nowadays dwarfed by other taller and perhaps more eye-catching structures on Manhattan Island, the Brooklyn Bridge continues to attract locals and visitors from around the world who not only enjoy the incredible views but in most cases are aware that this is still something very special, some have said the Eighth Wonder of the World but that might just be a slight exaggeration nowadays. Nevertheless, the story David McCullough tells keeps one's attention drawn to the narrative and in this writers case resulted in quite a bit of additional research. By the way, some of the wire used to make the main cables was sub-standard, although this fact was discovered at a point where it proved non-consequential. Enjoy the read. I'm just about to read one of his other books. Now let's see, will it be '1776,' 'The Johnstown Flood' or 'The Pioneers?' A good read is priceless.

The story of the Brooklyn bridge is one that i have been fascinated about for years. Building suspension bridges is no easy task, even today. That the Roeblings pioneered such a large bridge with the technology of the day is astounding. And a testament to all who worked on the bridge project. It really was the 8th wonder of the industrial world. This book weaves together all the inter-twining threads of the Great Bridges story.From John Roeblings journey to America, Washington Roeblings education and exploits in the civil war. Down in the caissons at the bottom of the east river, up on the bridge towers, spinning the cables. And Emily Roebling who finished the bridge after her Husband became sick with "Caissons disease". Nor is it just a story of engineering, or of human sacrifice. The political climate of the day provided just as many obstacles to the building of the great bridge as the east river, or crooked wire makers! Its a hell of a story, and nowhere will you found it better told than by McCullough!

Way back in the day, Brooklyn, and New York were different cities, either side of the East River. This book tells us about the Herculean effort to link the two cities, through the building of the "New York and Brooklyn Bridge".Most people who look at the bridge these days can be a bit "Meh, it's a bridge, so what?" I think. This book will debunk that view by explaining how the bridge was built. It took an enormous effort to build the bridge, killing, and maiming people along the way, and is this explained here in the pages of this book.It's well wroth a read.

Double Pulitzer Prize winner David McCullough ("Truman" and "John Adams") skillfully reveals the pain, hardship, skulduggery, danger and raw doggedness that combined to create the Brooklyn Bridge - against all odds, obstructiveness and physical barriers.The reader is entertained with not only a real insight into the lives of the Roebling Family - father and son who designed the bridge and oversaw its construction - but also with the insufferable working conditions, the nefarious behaviour of politicians and the chance to savour at close hand the atmosphere of the second half of the nineteenth century in Brooklyn and New York.

I am a passionate reader of this author. His English and writing are phenomenal. His biography of the building of the bridge reads like a novel.

Excellent read

The book has 3 strands: the technical stuff, the financial dealings (and double-dealings), and the personal story of the bridge designer and his family.It is a thorough evocative book, and I recommend it.However, the technical side of the construction could have been better. For example, there are some illustrations in the book, but they are not referred to in the text. So, you find yourself puzzling over a paragraph in the text, only to come across a diagram 50 pages later.Additionally, several topics (such as the initial linking of the towers with strands) really need diagrams to clarify the text. A few more pages of original diagrams would have been useful, to add to the old photos and sketches.

At 562 pages plus appendices, this book is a daunting read but one which is certainly worth the effort. While many later bridges undoubtedly surpass Brooklyn in size and innovation, none will possess a history as interesting. The author has blended engineering, politics, local history and biographies of the key players into a cohesive and absorbing narrative which must represent the definitive account of the `Great Bridge'.Whichever of these constituent elements appeals, everybody will find something of interest in this book and it will leave the reader with a much more comprehensive knowledge and appreciation of Brooklyn Bridge. It is the product of thorough research resulting in a detailed but eminently readable book typical of McCullough's writing style. Although I personally would have welcomed a little more information on the engineering aspects of the bridge, this does not affect my decision to give this book a five star rating.

My appreciation of the great Brooklyn Bridge was significantly enhanced after reading (hearing) this book. Very well done. A marvelous engineering accomplishment.Going for a long drive? Take this one with you!!

El libro es muy interesante. Se centra en los aspectos históricos más que en los estructurales. La historia es tan interesante que engancha desde el principio.Very interesting. Focused on historical facts rather than in structural issues.

I'm from Montreal, Québec. I go to New York 2 or 3 times a year, every year since 1984. I've crossed the Brooklyn Bridge 3 times on foot, one time by bus. I've watch the Great Bridge from Pier 17. Although I've always admire this beautiful piece of engineering, and especially the wonderous view it provides to the Manhattan skyline, I never dream it's story would be so rich.The Roeblings, John and especially Washington A, truly are American Heroes. After being hit very hard by the "caisson disorder", Chief Engineer Washington Roebling continued his work in dismal physical conditions. This is a succes story against all odds; against sickness, against corruption, against bureaucracy, againts conservatisims, most of all against political agendas.Even though I wasn't able to quite understand all the technical explanations on how the Great Bridge was built, it doesn't matter much to me. The human side of the story is quite interesting to say the least.It will definitly make me walk the Great Bridge one more time and this time, I'll fully appreciate it.

Just finished "The Great Bridge," by David McCullough, a standout among my favorite historians.I loved how he seemlessly intertwines engineering marvels with the human spirit, capturing the essence of ambition and perseverance. He weaves a compelling narrative around the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, highlighting the blend of vision with technical skills required for such a monumental endeavor.A hallmark of any McCullough book is the author's meticulous research and vivid storytelling. The book excels in illuminating the historical context and environment under which such a creative project could be undertaken. He delves into the intricacies of bridge engineering and sheds light on the societal and political landscape of 19th-century America. His narrative navigates both technical challenges and human stories which make "The Great Bridge" educational and entertaining.The tales of those contributing to this engineering masterpiece were truly inspiring. "The Great Bridge" stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary thinking, highlighting the importance of melding technical expertise with a broader understanding of self within the socio-political landscape."The Great Bridge" offers a captivating exploration of innovation and resilience. It resonates with leaders who appreciate creativity. technical proficiency and the dogged perseverance it takes to bring a vision to reality over a fourteen year endeavor. Highly recommend!!

a great bridge and an excellent read