Bridges That Changed the World [Paperback]

Bernhard Graf (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2005 | Series: Changed the World

This new flexi edition of an architectural and historical journey across the world's greatest bridges explains why these structures continue to fascinate us as examples of engineering genius and artistic vision. Starting with ancient bridges built by the Mongol and Roman Empires through to today's most striking examples of bridges, this book examines the history, legends, and people behind the world's most fascinating bridges. Stunning double-page spreads filled with photographs, plans, drawings, and informative texts deepen the reader's appreciation of the science and technology of bridge building. The book also introduces historic events in which bridges have played a central role, profiles the figures who commissioned and built the bridges and offers surprising re-examinations of some of the world's most familiar bridges. Bridges included are: Tarr Steps; Ponte Vecchio; Charles Bridge; Zig-Zag Bridge; Pont Neuf; Bridge of Sighs; Iron Bridge; Clifton Suspension Bridge; Forth Bridge; Tower Bridge; Sydney Harbour Bridge; Golden Gate Bridge; Bridge over the River Kwai; Bosphorous Bridge; and Millau Viaduct. "Bridges that Changed the World" is a celebration of our steadfast desire to connect with and discover the world around us.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

A pictorial list of 50 spans, Graf's album exalts both famous and utterly obscure bridges. By including rope bridges in Nepal, and the newest suspension bridge giants in Japan and Denmark, the author underscores the commonality to any bridge's purpose: vaulting chasms and straits to link people and commerce. Florence's famous Ponte Vecchio, with the shops built onto its spans, expresses the idea literally, while other celebrated bridges do so symbolically, like the now-destroyed Stari Most in Mostar, Bosnia. Whatever a bridge's exact physical purpose, it also exudes a powerful aesthetic presence that Graf handsomely displays: the book's design faces a one-page historical description with a full-page photograph, with an oblong format enhancing the feeling of length. This effect is especially graceful on the An Ji Bridge in China, a beautiful 1,400-year-old structure. Turning from medieval stone bridges to those of the Industrial Revolution, Graf selects the seminal Iron Bridge in Britain, and he represents modernism with the single-mast Alamillo Bridge in Seville. An appealing diversion for browsers. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"A world tour which singles out more than 50 bridges for their beauty, historical significance, or technical ingenuity." -- Sunday Star-Ledger, Decemeber 2002

"An appealing diversion for browsers." -- Booklist, December 2002

"The role of bridges in world and American history is explored in two fine volumes..." -- Sacramento Bee, December 2002

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 125 pages
• Publisher: Prestel Publishing (September 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 379133400X
• ISBN-13: 978-3791334004
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,116,738 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A satisfying blend of striking photos and technical detail blended in with a history of bridge-building around the world, December 3, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bridges That Changed the World (Paperback)

Over fifty famous bridges and their stories are gathered in a survey which will appeal to a far wider audience than the usual specialty bridge book. Here is a satisfying blend of striking photos and technical detail blended in with a history of bridge-building around the world. The real surprise lies in a lively writing style paired with discussions of bridges in regions which usually don't receive much mention, such as a sand-cast iron bridge in Coalbrookdale from the 1700s or the 1800s Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book with great info and pictures, April 1, 2007

By 

Rayze78 (Maine) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bridges That Changed the World (Paperback)

I bought this book for my son who is almost 5. He is fascinated by bridges. So I got this book for him and he loves it. It has some really unique bridges with great pictures. (He likes it mostly for all of the pictures, but he will ask what country they are from, etc). I also find it interesting because they have detailed descriptions regarding the bridges.

So this is a great book, even if you have never had interest in bridges. Kids like it too!

5.0 out of 5 stars For the Bridge Lover!, January 9, 2010

By 

Annie "Annie" (Catskill, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bridges That Changed the World (Changed the World) (Hardcover)

I purchased this book for my son who had a love for suspension bridges and he adores this book. It has wonderful pictures and has given him hours of enjoyment learning of not only suspension bridges but all kinds from all over the world. Very durable hardcover and wonderful pictures.