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The Statue of Liberty
Introduction by David McCullough The first truly comprehensive history of America's most compelling symbol, the Statue of Liberty, is the result of more than three years of research. The authors, Christian Blanchet and Bernard Dard, sought out original sources, interviewed over 1,000 people, and combed through more than 100 museums, collections, and libraries to compile this definitive history. Here is the little-known story of the statue's origins and the people who brought it to completion – such as Édouard de Laboulaye, who wanted to give the United States a gift that would both commemorate a friendship and make a political statement, engineering genius Gustave Eiffel, and above all, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the visionary sculptor who gave form to the idea of this colossal statue. A consummate entrepreneur, politician, and fundraiser, Bartholdi almost single-handedly sold his idea to a skeptical, and at times, unfriendly American public, who would later come to idolize his statue as a symbol of freedom and acceptance.
- GenresHistory
92 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2017
49 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 26, 2019
This was just OK. It was “history lite.” I didn’t feel that it went into enough detail about how the statue was made, or the times in which it was made. About halfway through it concentrated more on immigration issues than the statue itself. Plus photos would have been nice. (Since I read it on my Nook, photos may have been eliminated in the e-book version.)
March 7, 2017
Before reading this book, my knowledge of the Statue of Liberty consisted of the short explanation I had received in school: It was a gift from the French people. “The Statue of Liberty,” authored by Christian Blanchet and Bertrand Dard, offers the opportunity to learn everything about the famous statue in the New York harbor.
The vision of Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue of Liberty has an interesting past, and it is amazing to learn the difficulties in creating and erecting something that nowadays many take for granted. A joint effort between the French and Americans had many hurdles to overcome, and the problems did not stop once the statue was in place. Blanchet and Dard walk readers through every challenge.
Many have heard the words “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses…” but may not know where those words came from, or might believe that they were on a plaque the day the statue was unveiled. The authors provide the background to this passage from a sonnet, as well as many other related stories. This book is well researched and written in a style that enlightens and entertains at the same time. Highly recommended. Five stars.
The vision of Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the Statue of Liberty has an interesting past, and it is amazing to learn the difficulties in creating and erecting something that nowadays many take for granted. A joint effort between the French and Americans had many hurdles to overcome, and the problems did not stop once the statue was in place. Blanchet and Dard walk readers through every challenge.
Many have heard the words “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses…” but may not know where those words came from, or might believe that they were on a plaque the day the statue was unveiled. The authors provide the background to this passage from a sonnet, as well as many other related stories. This book is well researched and written in a style that enlightens and entertains at the same time. Highly recommended. Five stars.
April 12, 2019
I admit that I'm fascinated by all things New York, and I have visited the Statue of Liberty. But as I and our country have aged, the significance of this magnificent monument recognized the world over has changed.
The story of how the gift from France came to be and the people involved in its conception, along with details of its design and construction, are captivating. Lady Liberty is (without her base) 151 feet tall. Her flesh and robe consist of 300 carefully crafted sheets of copper held together with rivets over an Eiffel Tower-like frame. Her index finger is 8 feet long. Her torch has been reworked multiple times.
Although not intended as a welcoming symbol to visitors or immigrants to the United States, as conditions changed in Europe and people sought to escape persecution and death, the Statue of Liberty became exactly that, as was expressed in the excerpt from "The New Colossus," a poem by Emma Lazarus: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free ..."
From the inspiration for the statue, to the complexity and time it took to design and ship all of the parts across the ocean, to the challenge of paying for and maintaining it, to past and present symbolism, this historical account is worth the read.
The story of how the gift from France came to be and the people involved in its conception, along with details of its design and construction, are captivating. Lady Liberty is (without her base) 151 feet tall. Her flesh and robe consist of 300 carefully crafted sheets of copper held together with rivets over an Eiffel Tower-like frame. Her index finger is 8 feet long. Her torch has been reworked multiple times.
Although not intended as a welcoming symbol to visitors or immigrants to the United States, as conditions changed in Europe and people sought to escape persecution and death, the Statue of Liberty became exactly that, as was expressed in the excerpt from "The New Colossus," a poem by Emma Lazarus: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free ..."
From the inspiration for the statue, to the complexity and time it took to design and ship all of the parts across the ocean, to the challenge of paying for and maintaining it, to past and present symbolism, this historical account is worth the read.
May 15, 2018
A nice piece of particular history.
A well written and informative piece incorporating the political, economic, and philosophical history surrounding the statue. It's a nice stand-alone read but should be especially enjoyable for the knowledgeable nineteenth and twentieth century history buff.
A well written and informative piece incorporating the political, economic, and philosophical history surrounding the statue. It's a nice stand-alone read but should be especially enjoyable for the knowledgeable nineteenth and twentieth century history buff.
April 9, 2019
History
If you like historical novels, this is for you. I was familiar with some of the history, but this book fill in so much more. It was very informative and an enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book.
If you like historical novels, this is for you. I was familiar with some of the history, but this book fill in so much more. It was very informative and an enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book.
August 15, 2020
Excellent history of The Lady. Well written, informative, enjoyable. A major project for all involved. Highly recommended. Sailed by her last year when departing NYV on US Coast Guard Eagle. Inspiring site and sight.
March 23, 2020
Did you know that the statue of liberty was the color of a penny but as years past it turned green .the statue of liberty represents freedom you can find out more by reading this text
December 6, 2025
Well-written and easily read book covering the creation of the Statue of Liberty as well as its changing symbolism over the years. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews