The Building of Manhattan

by Donald A. Mackay

Meticulously accurate line drawings and fascinating text trace Manhattan's growth from a tiny Dutch outpost to the commercial, financial, and cultural heart of the world. This book explains construction above and below ground, including the excavation of subway lines and the building of bridges and skyscrapers. Hundreds of illustrations reveal intricate details of construction techniques.
Author and illustrator Donald A. Mackay traces Manhattan's history from its first wood, stone, and brick houses to its famous modern structures, including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the World Trade Center. Along with historical background, he presents clear explanations and illustrations of the skilled labor and methods behind the island's tunnels, bridges, and train lines. Mackay describes who does what at a construction site, the assembly of a tower crane, and the construction of skyscrapers, from the foundations to the floor-by-floor elevations, along with other amazing procedures that are all part of a day's work in building the big city.

Genres: Architecture, New York, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an endlessly fascinating book, even if you don't feel anything special toward Manhattan. Starting with the formation of the island itself, billions and billions of years ago, we then get a chronological history, from the Manhattan Indians to the New Amsterdam Dutch to the New York English. It's simply amazing what they've all managed to fit onto such a slight sliver of land.

Manhattan stayed fairly pastoral until the mid-19th Century when the boom started and hasn't stopped yet. After the overall history is finished, Mackay then goes into detail showing how the famous skyscrapers have been built. It is this section that had me shaking my head in wonder. Test borings, drilling rock, foundation laying, "bull's liver"...on and on it goes through each part of the building. I simply had no idea. Plus, there is an entire section on what each worker does, all managed by very specific unions and trades.

I admit I have always been one of those folks who walk along the sidewalks and then amble over to peer through the viewing slats so I can see what is taking place. Now I will be a little more knowledgeable and a little more respectful.

Book Season = Year Round (be a part of it)

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A children’s picture book for adults.

[kerrycat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating - for those interested in architecture, construction, ironworking, and/or the history of NYC, especially Manhattan, this is perfect. All the references to the World Trade Center were tough; I still have a hard time flying into the island and not seeing the twin towers, like so many others do.

Fantastic sketches and maps. Obviously the details on population and use are quite dated, but the historical aspect is timeless.