The Great Bridge
By David McCullough
- Release Date: 2007-05-31
- Genre: U.S. History
Description
The dramatic and enthralling story of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge at the time, a tale of greed, corruption, and obstruction but also of optimism, heroism, and determination, told by master historian David McCullough.
This monumental book is the enthralling story of one of the greatest events in our nation’s history, during the Age of Optimism—a period when Americans were convinced in their hearts that all things were possible.
In the years around 1870, when the project was first undertaken, the concept of building an unprecedented bridge to span the East River between the great cities of Manhattan and Brooklyn required a vision and determination comparable to that which went into the building of the great cathedrals. Throughout the fourteen years of its construction, the odds against the successful completion of the bridge seemed staggering. Bodies were crushed and broken, lives lost, political empires fell, and surges of public emotion constantly threatened the project. But this is not merely the saga of an engineering miracle; it is a sweeping narrative of the social climate of the time and of the heroes and rascals who had a hand in either constructing or exploiting the surpassing enterprise.
Reviews
Sentimental
5By Neezy79Though I currently live in VA, I was born and raised in NYC. This book was truly special to me. It thoroughly expanded my knowledge of such a masterful engineering feat and evoked so many warm memories of gazing upon The Great Bridge as a child.Fascinating though a long listen.
5By Globaby100Details of the design and engineering were interesting despite my lack of education on the subject. The information put forward on the politics added to the interest. My history education gave few details of Tweed and Tammany Hall, so i found that subject very interesting. There was much more to the Brooklyn Bridge than a paragraph in history! I cannot imagine the research that went into this book.Great
5By Romans5:8My favorite McCullough bookUtterly boring and unreadable
1By Anti-realnamelizationWriting style is not fluentGreat book
5By LaDavidCouldn't put it down- imagery is as if I was there in the 19th Century watching this 8th Wonder of the World be constructed before my very eyes.Great!
5By dawncvtFascinating and detailed book. A book I I couldn't easily put down!Awe-inspiring story
5By Marcia_SchroederExcellent writing and historical account of one of our greatest American symbols and engineering accomplishments. The genius of the Roeblings and dedication of the men who built the bridge is awesome and inspirational.The Great Bridge
5By WalkingonSandAn excellent work that gives insight into the building of the Brooklyn Bridge along with lots of information about the historic time period.A good read
5By LasuuuuuuuThe book is detailed and reminds one how current issues were ever present even during that age. Enjoyed the book and the journey of the bridge and the builders.Great book
5By DavclaReally enjoyed it. The stories within a story are fascinating. As good as The Path between the Seas.