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Title details for The Great Bridge by David McCullough - Available

The Great Bridge

The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge

by David McCullough
Edward Herrmann
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available
A monumental tale of American ambition, told by Pulitzer Prize–winning author and master historian David McCullough. This gripping saga of the creation of the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the country's boldest engineering achievements, reveals not only the politics and personalities behind "America's Eiffel Tower," but charts New York's ascent as a thriving metropolis.
Around 1870, during the Age of Optimism—a time when Americans believed anything was possible—the ambitious idea of constructing an unprecedented bridge across the East River to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn took root. This monumental project demanded a vision and determination on par with the efforts that built the great cathedrals of history.

Spearheaded by the Roebling family, the project faced staggering odds throughout its fourteen years of construction. Bodies were crushed, lives were lost, political empires fell, and waves of public emotion constantly threatened its progress. The Roeblings, too, were not immune to personal tragedies. Yet, Emily Roebling rose above these challenges to become the pivotal force behind the bridge's completion, shattering all societal expectations of her era. This is not just the story of an engineering miracle; it is a sweeping narrative of the social climate of the time and the heroes and rascals who either built or exploited this groundbreaking enterprise.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Awards

  • Release date

    July 1, 2004

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9780743539890
      • File size: 290113 KB
      • Duration: 10:04:24

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      The building of the Brooklyn Bridge--at the time, the longest suspension bridge in the world--over 14 years took its toll on the men who built it. Among the casualties were the men who led the project --John Roebling, who died of lockjaw following an accident at the site, and his son Washington, who suffered from decompression sickness. Edward Herrmann brings the story alive by making it a human story of the Roebling family and the workers who executed their vision. Although constructed from dry sources, the account brings alive the sacrifices made for this engineering marvel. This emphasis on the human side makes the story a natural for audio. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Everything we ever wanted to know about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge is in this book, and we should be thankful for that. This is the kind of good, solid history that both informs and enlightens. Narrator Nelson Runger does an excellent job with this mammoth work. His stately delivery and authoritative baritone lend credence to the author's words and keep the story moving toward its exultant end. Runger is a master of understatement, and that works here. He puts McCullough's ideas front and center, where we can digest them and analyze their depth. The only drawback is that because of its length, the book and Runger's voice can wear us down. The reward at the end, though, is well worth the effort. R.I.G. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from September 6, 2004
      This outstanding audio adaptation brings to life the Herculean struggles behind the creation of one of this country's most recognizable and enduring landmarks. Herrmann's rich, expressive voice perfectly complements McCullough's stately language, and the combination of their talents—coupled with the impressiveness of the engineering marvel that is the Brooklyn Bridge—makes this a compulsive listen. Subtle changes in Herrmann's tone clearly set off quotations without interrupting the flow, and though this audiobook is abridged, the deleted segments are briefly summarized by an unobtrusive second narrator so that listeners never feel as if they're missing part of the story. While there are some descriptions of the 13-year construction process that would have benefited from illustrations, the production as a whole is superb. Listeners cannot help being moved by the grandeur of the structure and by the spectacular risks taken by the men who worked on it, particularly chief engineer Washington Roebling, who remained the driving force behind the bridge despite being crippled by the bends and bedridden for many years. Drama of every kind can be found here: political scandals, intense rivalries, extreme loyalty, a charming love story, heroism, spectacular near-disasters, death, illness and war. Once called the eighth wonder of the world, the Brooklyn Bridge still inspires artists and photographers, tourists and natives alike, and it is the only stone-towered, steel-cabled bridge in the world. In this excellent production, listeners will be inspired anew. Based on the S&S hardcover.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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