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The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge Audiobook
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(4.00) - 3,715 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Published on the fortieth anniversary of its initial publication, this edition of the classic book contains a new Preface by David McCullough, “one of our most gifted living writers” (The Washington Post).
Built to join the rapidly expanding cities of New York and Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge was thought by many at the start to be an impossibility destined to fail if not from insurmountable technical problems then from political corruption. (It was the heyday of Boss Tweed in New York.)
But the Brooklyn Bridge was at once the greatest engineering triumph of the age, a surpassing work of art, a proud American icon, and a story like no other in our history. Courage, chicanery, unprecedented ingenuity and plain blundering, heroes, rascals, all the best and worst in human nature played a part. At the center of the drama were the stricken chief engineer, Washington Roebling and his remarkable wife, Emily Warren Roebling, neither of whom ever gave up in the face of one heartbreaking setback after another.
The Great Bridge is a sweeping narrative of a stupendous American achievement that rose up out of its era like a cathedral, a symbol of affirmation then and still in our time.
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"This was one of the most surprisingly good books I've ever read. Actually, I listened to it, and even though it's 24 discs long, it was thoroughly fascinating. Who would have thought that the construction of a bridge could have such a complex, intriguing story behind it. From political drama to the spin of the press, and the engineers personal story, it's very engaging."
— Brandon (5 out of 5 stars)
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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 -
“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 -
“A great book…A stupendous narrative…Once again, truth is not only stranger than fiction but a hell of a lot more entertaining…This is the definitive book on the event. Do not wait for a better try: there won’t be any.”
— Newsday -
“This is the kind of good, solid history that both informs and enlightens. Narrator Nelson Runger does an excellent job…His stately delivery and authoritative baritone lend credence to the author’s words and keep the story moving toward its exultant end.”
— AudioFile
The Great Bridge Listener Reviews
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" Filled with lots of American History from the 1860 to early 1900's. An amazing feat. "
— Amber, 2/18/2014 -
" Very good; I agree with other reviewers that the engineering detail was kind of boring & could have used visuals, but the political & biographical parts were very interesting. "
— Christine, 2/17/2014 -
" I liked it a lot. Not an "on the edge of your seat" read, but quite informational and well written. It's amazing how much time, effort, technology and material went into The Bridge. "
— Pkstod, 2/16/2014 -
" Fascinating account of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. Amazing what they had to do to build that bridge over 100 years ago. And I had a chance to go to New York this summer and walk up onto the bridge. It was so awe-inspiring! "
— Elizabeth, 2/11/2014 -
" This was such a good book. I have lived most of my life about an hour away from this incredible feat of engineering, so to be able to go stand on it after understanding it. (pun intended) was really cool! "
— Vloiacono, 2/9/2014 -
" One of the best non fiction books I've read. David McCullough is an extraordinary historical writer. To understand that this bridge was built over 150 years ago without all the modern excavation tools and equipment that we have today is amazing. The Brooklyn Bridge is still standing and still a valuable asset to travelers to this day. "
— Mike, 1/25/2014 -
" This was another great read in the David McCullough tradition! Fascinating story about the creation of the Brooklyn Bridge. I don't think that I will ever look at a bridge again without thinking about the people who helped make it. "
— Sue, 1/21/2014 -
" Learned more engineering than I thought possible. Even makes ME want to walk across the high walkway on Brooklyn Bridge! "
— LDuchess, 1/20/2014 -
" Very interesting and made me want to check out the bridge in real life, but I did feel my eyes glaze over a few times. "
— Ryan, 1/17/2014 -
" anything by mccullough is writing spun with gold. i've learned that historians/biographers like are a treasure to behold: it takes so much time to write a history like this no mortal man can produce too many of them. he has 5. "
— Goatville9, 1/10/2014 -
" 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, 12/3/2013 -
" This book was actually very good and I learned a lot about New York History. But I don't really like books about history, so it took me a while to get through it. "
— Cheryl, 11/17/2013 -
" Excellen read. I did not understand all the technical parts, but the story was wonderful. "
— Jane, 11/16/2013 -
" Amazing! Even if one isn't a big history buff, this book was so interesting and absorbing, I couldn't put it down! "
— Deb, 11/9/2013 -
" 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, 11/7/2013 -
" A story that is almost 130 years old, that will never be old. The brilliance and courage of the architects, workers and those who constructed the "Great Bridge" perfectly told by David McCullough. "
— Bruce, 10/27/2013 -
" Great account not only of the building of the magnificent bridge, but also of the time. "
— Sally, 9/23/2013 -
" I'm giving up. I love learning about this wonderful feat of civil engineering, but the jargon and the minutiae have finally turned me away. What I did learn will help me be a better Brooklynite and I'll keep telling myself that I'll pick it up again someday. "
— Alexis, 8/13/2013 -
" An enjoyable read, though certainly not his best book, and rather limited in a techinal sense. "
— Jor-dahn, 6/15/2013 -
" I had no idea the Brooklyn Bridge could be so interesting! David McCullough is amazing!! "
— Becki, 5/17/2013 -
" Interesting, detailed look at the building of the Brooklyn bridge. Quite an ordeal, with plenty of corruption and scamming between the city and various contractors. David McCullough goes into such detail, it can be overkill at times, but it's interesting non the less. "
— Shaun, 3/8/2013 -
" As always from McCullough what a great book. I have really enjoyed this book. Saddened by the political corruptness and it bogged the book down in my opinion but I suppose that it is part of the story of the bridge. But i am amazed at Washington Roebling's perseverance. "
— Matthew, 2/12/2013 -
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Frank the Tank, 1/20/2013
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" Much more enjoyable than his book on John Adams. "
— Lauren, 10/19/2012 -
" 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, 6/23/2012
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 Nelson Runger
Nelson Runger’s voice has been recorded in dozens of audio productions and won him two AudioFile Earphones Awards. His ability to convey difficult, scholarly material with eloquence and ease has earned him critical acclaim, including an AudioFile Best Voice in Biography & History for his reading of Nixon and Kissinger.