I'd enjoyed an audiobook version of this title a while back, and was delighted to find this fair-condition softcover at the local library's ongoing book sale. It's a history of the design and construction of the iconic bridge - which opened in 1883 and is still very much in business, something that I suspect few modern constructions will be able to match. (I've driven over it a few times and have seen it often, but have yet to walk across it; maybe someday!)

The book includes in-depth biographies of John Roebling and his son Washington, both of whom poured much effort and skill into creating the bridge - and both of whom suffered painful fates: John suffered an accident that led to an excruciating death from tetanus, and Washington's many trips into the caissons in which the bridge-supports were built led to his contracting "caisson disease" - the bends - which gave him a lot of pain and occasionally incapacitated him. (The author describes being given access to a veritable treasure trove of Roebling family papers, which helped immensely in writing the book and opened some new windows into the lives of the individuals involved.)

The details of the bridge's design and construction are also quite fascinating - and sometimes jaw-dropping, as in the account of the caisson fire and the later "Great Blowout", both of which could have been disastrous if not for Washington Roebling's quick actions. As it was, they sound nightmarish, and the efforts required to repair the damage were a challenge in themselves - as well as a gamble.

The bridge construction was entangled with Boss Tweed, head of the political machine that pretty much ran New York at that time. And Roebling had plenty of problems regarding bids and raw materials and all the other things that make up huge construction projects. But his vision, and the excellence of the work - it's quite remarkable, and lovely to read about.

I'm adding this book to the Biographies of Things bookbox, which will be on its way to its next stop soon. Enjoy!

taking from the Things bookbox. Thanks!

from the Things bookbox; imposing book due to the size, but got an audio copy from the library so I could switch to paper at home, and audio on the commute and car travel. Fabulous book, not only about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, but also backs up the the early part of the century with Roebling's father's emigration and bridges, WA's training and Civil War career and the politics and goings on, sounding an awful lot like today. Also brought to life some of the presidents and how they got there. I had no idea what some did before becoming president. Unbelieveable how Roebling was able to keep going despite his illness, which I suspect the Cassion work and fire had something to do with. And Emily went above and beyond to keep her husband well enough to do the work - although I feel certain that some of it might be her ideas that he pondered and then added to his work.
This one will travel forward to a friend who laments today's politics - but nothing's really changed, has it?

Giving to Carol, who I think will enjoy it.