Building New York's Sewers: The Evolution of Mechanisms of Urban Development (Purdue University Press History of Technology Series) [Hardcover]

Joanne Abel Goldman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1997 | Series: Purdue University Press History of Technology Series

This wide-ranging study offers a unique perspective to examine the conditions, constraints, and concerns of city government during the first half of the nineteenth century. Decisions concerning wastewater disposal in New York City reflect nineteenth-century notions of disease, the environment, and city responsibility. The decision to construct a comprehensive sewer system was a complex one that pitted individual liberty against the common. good and political considerations against those of professional physicians and engineers. This history of policy formation is, then, a story of changing values and ideas that must be understood within the context of the social, economic, political, and intellectual milieu of the middle of the nineteenth century.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 228 pages
• Publisher: Purdue University Press; First Edition edition (February 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557530955
• ISBN-13: 978-1557530950
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,633,021 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

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Run!!!!!!!!!, December 7, 2001

By 

"[e-mail]" (Kent, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Building New York's Sewers: The Evolution of Mechanisms of Urban Development (Purdue University Press History of Technology Series) (Hardcover)

Ack, this book is dull. It is very thorough, excellent research, meticulous detail on the subject. But the subject is deadly boring. It is about New York City's desire and complications in building the sewers in the nineteenth century. It talks of political leaders, complications in getting the sewers contructed, what kind of pipe was most effective and on and on and on. It is a quick read though and easy to understand.