Bridges: The Spans of North America

About this book

Whether built of stone brick wood iron steel or concrete bridges have captivated our imaginations more than any other man-made structures. Whether built of wood stone iron steel or concrete bridges have captivated our imaginations more than any other man-made structures. In David Plowdens words "there is no more overt powerful or rational expression of accomplishmentof mans ability to build." And Americans in particular have excelled in this structural art. This book explores in depth how when where and by whom the most important North American bridges were built. Over 185 of Plowdens superb photographs allow us to dwell on the most important scientific and aesthetic qualities of each bridge. In addition Plowden has included original designs and drawings of structuressome unbuilt gone or dramatically alteredilluminating less obvious aspects of these engineering marvels and introducing us to bridges we otherwise would never have seen. In his extensive text Plowden vividly records the discoveries misconceptions struggles failures and triumphs of the men who dedicated their energies to bridge design and construction. In the more than twenty-five years since this classic book was first published bridges have been lost and others have been built; some of the best examples of new bridges are included in this new revised edition. All the photographs have been reprinted to achieve the best duotone reproduction. With this new edition Bridges is the most thorough and beautiful volume ever published on the subjecta passionate and powerful argument for our continued reverence of these wonderful structures. Over 185 photographs