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Men of Steel: The Story of the Family That Built the World Trade Center
“Building the [World Trade Center] was a project that pushed the limits of human endurance and engineering know-how. This is a curiously engaging story of the family dynasty that took it on.”
In the tradition of David McCullough’s The Great Bridge , Men of Steel is a compelling insider’s look at the construction of the Twin Towers and the three generations of men who built them. Written by Karl Koch III, whose grandfather and father founded the Karl Koch Erecting Company in the 1920s, and award-winning author Richard Firstman, this remarkable book is an incredibly detailed first-hand account of how one family turned 20,000 tons of steel and more than 6 million square feet of floor into the world’s two tallest buildings.
Men of Steel chronicles the fascinating story of the creation of the World Trade the politics behind its conception, the innovative thinking that went into its design, the drama of its construction, and the truth behind its destruction. It also brings to life the rough-and-tumble iron working culture, a dangerous world where the Koch family established their empire and went on to build many of America’s most important edifices, including the U.S. Supreme Court and the Library of Congress buildings. A brilliant evocation of a family dynasty inextricably intertwined with the steel that makes up many of our nation’s most prominent landmarks, Men of Steel is a rich, multilayered narrative that exposes the heart and soul that goes into making these remarkable structures.
In the tradition of David McCullough’s The Great Bridge , Men of Steel is a compelling insider’s look at the construction of the Twin Towers and the three generations of men who built them. Written by Karl Koch III, whose grandfather and father founded the Karl Koch Erecting Company in the 1920s, and award-winning author Richard Firstman, this remarkable book is an incredibly detailed first-hand account of how one family turned 20,000 tons of steel and more than 6 million square feet of floor into the world’s two tallest buildings.
Men of Steel chronicles the fascinating story of the creation of the World Trade the politics behind its conception, the innovative thinking that went into its design, the drama of its construction, and the truth behind its destruction. It also brings to life the rough-and-tumble iron working culture, a dangerous world where the Koch family established their empire and went on to build many of America’s most important edifices, including the U.S. Supreme Court and the Library of Congress buildings. A brilliant evocation of a family dynasty inextricably intertwined with the steel that makes up many of our nation’s most prominent landmarks, Men of Steel is a rich, multilayered narrative that exposes the heart and soul that goes into making these remarkable structures.
416 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 15, 2024
As a civil engineer living in NYC this was totally eye opening and super interesting to read. I was too young to ever actually see the twin towers and to appreciate what they represented pre-9/11, but this provided total insight. It was definitely technical at points so I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone without a good background or is not interested in steel erecting. Other than the technical aspect, there was soooo much drama between the family that kept me hooked.
June 2, 2017
More interesting than you might think about the construction of the WTC. Surprisingly graceful in its writing, though there is a lull in the middle as the story tracks the politics, etc behind the conception and planning of the WTC. The book spends much time exploring the history and family dynamics behind the company that erected the buildings and this is where it really comes into its own.
June 4, 2024
Fascinating details around the construction of the twin towers while destruction of the family business
July 8, 2011
I've met Karl Koch III for a documentary I'm shooting about WTC steel being used for 9/11 Memorials around the world.
The book is an excellent read if you'd like to know more about how many America's historic structures were built by his father and grandfather. Koch III's own contribution includes the building of the World Trade Center.
Must read!!
The book is an excellent read if you'd like to know more about how many America's historic structures were built by his father and grandfather. Koch III's own contribution includes the building of the World Trade Center.
Must read!!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews