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Bridge: The epic story of an Australian icon - the Sydney Harbour Bridge
The definitive story of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of the world's most amazing engineering feats - a structure that has become an Australian national icon.
- GenresNonfictionHistoryTravel
388 pages, Print on Demand (Paperback)
First published January 12, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 25, 2021
An interesting, well-researched history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and all the characters, escapades, dreams, adventures, politics, economics, and engineering involved. The book flows easily from chapter to chapter, yet many chapters also stand on their own as self-contained fascinating historical stories.
Paul Keating, former Prime Minister of Australia, called it: “The definitive story of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of the world's most amazing engineering feats - a structure that has become a national icon.”
The author’s own summary is also accurate: “When it was finally opened in March 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge had taken almost nine years to complete at a cost of sixteen lives and more than six million pounds. This is the epic story of the most recognisable symbol of Australia, and the people, political wranglings and incredible feats of engineering behind its creation. The Bridge brings to life the stories of those who built it, dreamt it and were drawn to it: Lennie Gwyther, the nine-year-old boy who made a 900-mile solo journey on horseback to witness the opening; Dr J.J.C. Bradfield who eventually realised his dream of connecting Sydney's two shores; Vince Kelly, the larger-than-life boilermaker who fell from the arch and survived; and many other fascinating characters. From the bizarre attempt to sabotage the bridge's opening ceremony to its role in the Sydney Olympics, this is a lively history of one of the world's most famous structures.”
“The Bridge” is to Sydney and Australia as “The Great Bridge” is to New York and the United States. Each book is a way of looking at a city and a country through the perspective of an iconic, beautiful, and practical architectural marvel and the people responsible for its creation.
Paul Keating, former Prime Minister of Australia, called it: “The definitive story of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of the world's most amazing engineering feats - a structure that has become a national icon.”
The author’s own summary is also accurate: “When it was finally opened in March 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge had taken almost nine years to complete at a cost of sixteen lives and more than six million pounds. This is the epic story of the most recognisable symbol of Australia, and the people, political wranglings and incredible feats of engineering behind its creation. The Bridge brings to life the stories of those who built it, dreamt it and were drawn to it: Lennie Gwyther, the nine-year-old boy who made a 900-mile solo journey on horseback to witness the opening; Dr J.J.C. Bradfield who eventually realised his dream of connecting Sydney's two shores; Vince Kelly, the larger-than-life boilermaker who fell from the arch and survived; and many other fascinating characters. From the bizarre attempt to sabotage the bridge's opening ceremony to its role in the Sydney Olympics, this is a lively history of one of the world's most famous structures.”
“The Bridge” is to Sydney and Australia as “The Great Bridge” is to New York and the United States. Each book is a way of looking at a city and a country through the perspective of an iconic, beautiful, and practical architectural marvel and the people responsible for its creation.
July 29, 2020
A fascinating read from Lalor who retells history with a zeal that is infectious but an accuracy that is admirable.
June 9, 2021
If you're a Sydneysider or a tourist fascinated by this wonderful piece of infrastructure, read this book. Please. In the 21 century with its Navsats, digital everything and limited visioned leaders, the construction of this challenging bridge is just about magic to read. How the builders got within the length of a band aid when the arches were joined is mystical. Unbelievable work and the near escape from death for many workers reads like a thriller.
December 21, 2024
A very well-written and entertaining account of the building of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. In-depth research helped to give this book colour and texture. Loved every minute of it.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews