The Secrets Behind the Structures: Little-known stories behind some well-known landmarks

by John Reisinger

The great structures of the world have stories to tell and secrets to reveal. Behind every structure such as the Empire State Building, or the Eiffel Tower, or St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow are people; visionaries, con men, conquerors, engineers, dictators, geniuses and oddballs, all embroiled in the history, politics, disasters, triumphs and setbacks that swirl around each building or bridge, events often hidden from public view. In The Secrets Behind the Structures, author and engineer John Reisinger looks at some of the amazing stories behind buildings and structures all over the world. Some places you will be familiar with, and some you may not, but all have their secrets.For instance…..-How Chartres Cathedral was targeted for destruction twice, but each time was saved by the heroic actions of one person.-Why the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from the moon.-How the Eiffel Tower defeated the Nazis. -Why, except for a postage stamp, the Panama Canal might have been built in Nicaragua.-How balloons were used to construct Disney World.-Why a Mexican empress once lived in a castle in a botanical garden in Belgium.-Why one of the world’s biggest hotels has never had a guest.-Why the famous wooden Bridge on the River Kwai was made of steel and was not actually on the River Kwai. -Why an iconic New York skyscraper was once in imminent danger of collapse.-Why the world’s most famous explorer is buried in two different places. -Why the Statue of Liberty has relatives in Egypt.-And lots more.The secrets are out there. Now they are here.

330 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2018

About the author

John Reisinger is a former Coast Guard officer and engineer, who writes on historic incidents and themes. He is the author of Master Detective, the true story of detective Ellis Parker and his controversial involvement in the Lindbergh kidnapping investigation. Max Allan Collins called Master Detective "Fascinating reading for true crime buffs and mystery fans alike." John also writes the Max Hurlock Roaring 20s Mysteries, a series of books based on real crimes of that era. Tidewater Times reviewer Anne Stinson said of the series "Mark me down as a super-fan of John Reisinger. I predict that every lover of an exciting tale told well will agree."
He has recently completed The Secrets Behind the Structures: The little known stories behind some of the world's most well-known landmarks. John lives on Maryland's Eastern Shore and has appeared in a segment on the TV series Mysteries at the Museum. His website is http://www.johnreisinger.com

Reviews

[Aleksandra Layland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secrets Behind the Structures: Little-Known Stories Behind Some Well-Known Landmarks is a wonderful slant on history by engineer and author John Reisinger. Written for a wide audience and not just history aficionados, it’s a book that can be enjoyed by anyone. In fact, it would be a great gift for the person who has everything. There’s certainly something for everyone in it. I was amazed at the number, variety, and geographic dispersal of the structures Reisinger includes; and as a civil engineer myself, I was glad to see that he didn’t limit his choice only to buildings. Bridges, towers, canals, tombs, the remnants of a former lighthouse, and other structures are featured. Some are modern; some are ancient or medieval. This is a book that would be useful to a tourist, a student, a history buff, a trivia fan, or anyone who simply enjoys learning more about the world around them.

In The Secrets Behind the Structures, Reisinger provides a story and illustrations about more than fifty structures scattered across the globe. The stories are written in an engaging, entertaining, educational but non-technical style, and offer interesting facts about the builder, the owner, the construction, the design, or the later use of the structure. In addition, each story is well referenced for further reading or research. I don’t know if I could name a favorite because I enjoyed them all for different reasons. I think The Bridge (that isn’t) on the River Kwai was the greatest surprise since I’ve seen the film named after it so many times. Reisinger includes a link at the end of the book, so readers can contact him about other structures with unusual or interesting stories. I hope that means that at least one sequel is in the works.