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The Great Bridge (Abridged): The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge Audiobook
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(4.00) - 3,713 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
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.
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"What an engineering feat. This is a great book. The telling of the story and the way things were done are similar to how things operate still to this day. Trying to substitute inferior cable for good to try line of the pockets of Boss Tweed. This story kept my interest all the way till the end."
— Jc (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“After reading David McCullough’s account, you will never look at the old bridge in quite the same way again.”
— New York Times -
The Great Bridge is a book so compelling and complete as to be a literary monument. . . . McCullough has written that sort of work which brings us to the human center of the past." —Los Angeles Times
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“McCullough is one of our most gifted living writers.”
— Washington Post -
“The impact of the soaring structure upon the American imagination and American life has now been measured with sagacity and style by David McCullough...The Great Bridge is a book so compelling and complete as to be a literary monument, one of the best books I have read in years. McCullough has written that sort of work which brings us to the human center of the past.”
— Los Angeles Times -
“The Great Bridge is a great book. . . . What David McCullough has written is a stupendous narrative about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, with a cast of thousands (give or take 100), whose major characters come alive on the page as authentically, as creatively, as would their fictional counterparts if one had the imagination to dream up such a yarn. Once again, truth is not only stranger than fiction but a hell of a lot more entertaining. Get your hands on The Great Bridge…This is the definitive book on the event. Do not wait for a better try: there won’t be any.”
— Newsday -
“David McCullough has taken a dramatic and colorful episode out of the American past and described it in such a way that he sheds fresh light on a whole era in American history.”
— Bruce Catton
Awards
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New York Times bestselling author
The Great Bridge Listener Reviews
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" Much more enjoyable than his book on John Adams. "
— Lauren, 2/13/2014 -
" Vert detailed history of the bridge building with many side stories about the prsons involved. "
— Scott, 1/12/2014 -
" This book tells the incredible story of one of America's national treasures. It is one of my all time favorite books. I highly recommend this book. It's a great read. "
— Jim, 1/7/2014 -
" Somewhat long in parts, but overall I liked how McCullough told this amazing story. "
— Gina, 1/5/2014 -
" Terrific work but then everything by McCullough is terrific. "
— Theresa, 12/9/2013 -
" Made me proud to be an engineer... :>) "
— Greg, 12/1/2013 -
" Overall and interesting book but not one of my favorites of his. A little to technical for my tastes. Those interested in engineering or architecture will probably enjoy it. "
— Todd, 12/1/2013 -
" I loved the first half of this book but I felt like the drama ended once the caissons were in place. Nevertheless, I REALLY want to go see the bridge for myself now. A truly incredible story. "
— Scott, 11/12/2013 -
" Awesome book. Typically, I don't care for non-fiction, but David McCullough provided an excellent perspective on this. Fascinating process. RECOMMEND! "
— Tzer88, 11/7/2013 -
" McCullough is an amazing author...yet another amazing book from him. It is just the story of the construction of a bridge, but I was into this book because of his beautiful writing style. I love his books. "
— Joe, 9/18/2013 -
" I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I all most didn't purchase it. I am glad I did. I truly enjoyed it. "
— Jim, 8/5/2013 -
" Execelent look at the history, polotics and engineering of the Brooklin Bridge "
— Lance, 3/9/2013 -
" A classic book that both bridge engineers and others are sure to enjoy. "
— Daniel, 11/1/2012 -
" Another great book by McCullough. Maybe a little too detailed at times but still a great read and a great mix of random historical facts blended with the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. "
— Martin, 8/26/2012 -
" Very insightful. Everything I could have wanted to know about the bridge, and the people who made it possible. "
— Amanda, 12/21/2010 -
" This is a tedious read, but David McCullough doesn't disappoint by making such a complex and fact-overloaded story very interesting. McCullough is one of my all time favorite authors. If you like David McCullough and are interested in NYC history, then you will no doubt enjoy this book. "
— Lisa, 1/2/2010 -
" Relays both the political and engineering challenges of bridge building with helpful history behind the principals and principles involved. Learned about early steal production, wire manufacturing, effects of high atmospheric pressure as well as city government corruption and rivalries. "
— doug, 5/23/2008 -
" I like New York and found this book about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge to be interesting. It was amazing to see the engineering and innovation that went into the bridge and also to understand some of the main characters that were involved. "
— Jason, 3/28/2008 -
" A bit much to slog through, and it had to go back to the library. "
— Carolyn, 3/9/2008 -
" I have to admit, I was not looking forward to reading this at all when it was assigned in a history class. Surprisingly, I read the whole thing rather quickly. The writing style is excellent and the subject is made fairly interesting. "
— Megan, 10/8/2007 -
" Learned more engineering than I thought possible. Even makes ME want to walk across the high walkway on Brooklyn Bridge! "
— LDuchess, 11/27/2004 -
" This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. The descriptions of how the men worked under the Hudson/East Rivers alone make this book unforgettable. "
— Alie, 10/28/2004 -
" Fascinating. And to think it is still in use. This is not a weekend read. "
— Dad, 8/17/2004
About David McCullough
David McCullough (1933-2022), acclaimed historian and #1 New York Times bestselling author, twice won the Pulitzer Prize, for Truman and John Adams, and twice received the National Book Award, for The Path between the Seas and Mornings on Horseback. His other acclaimed books are 1776, Brave Companions, The Johnstown Flood, The Great Bridge, The Greater Journey, and The Wright Brothers. He was awarded numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, and more than forty honorary degrees. In 1995, the National Book Foundation conferred on him its lifetime Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
About Edward Herrmann
Edward Herrmann (1943–2014) was one of America’s top audiobook narrators. He won multiple Audie Awards and twenty-two Earphones Awards, and his narration of the King James version of the Bible remains a benchmark in the industry.