Bridges: Three Thousand Years of Defying Nature

by David J. Brown

Comprehensive profiles of the world's 100 most extraordinary bridges. Few humanmade structures combine the technical with the aesthetic in such an evocative way as bridges. From ancient times to the present, bridges have had a unique attraction on the imagination, eliciting awe, wonder and passion. Bridges celebrates the stunning technical and artistic achievements in the creation, design, engineering, construction and social history of 100 remarkable bridges. The book reveals the secrets and science of the timeless masonry of imperial Rome, the elegant wooden edifices of ancient Japan and the soaring steel structures of today. Organized chronologically to follow the stages in the development of bridge engineering and construction, each chapter has an introduction followed by fascinating details. The vital stats for each bridge An account of the creation of each bridge includes the difficulties, hardships and disasters endured as well as the solutions and innovations conceived. Superb color photographs and specially commissioned artwork celebrate these soaring feats of engineering. The final chapter explores how future bridges will look through examining the latest groundbreaking designs and projects. Bridges is a magnificently illustrated non-technical reference to fascinating engineering discoveries and innovations.

Genres: Architecture

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1993

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed bridges, but after reading this book, I now have a better appreciation of them.
The history, the problems & the solutions, makes me want to visit more of them as well as to renew old memories of some of them. Time for a Bridge Field Trip!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It provided a great overview of bridge construction techniques while highlighting innovations through the ages. It's not particularly technical, but that makes it great for a coffee table (should you have one). I can't look at a bridge now without thinking about this book.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so impressed with bridges and will think again the next time I am fortunate enough to see or even cross one. We will always need people who want to build bridges!

[Spoke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful look at the history, science and art of bridge-making.