The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

1 Square2 Squares3 Squares4 Squares5 Squares (94 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...

Get Audiobook

Try Audible and Download Two Free Audiobooks

The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge by David McCullough

The readers can download The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge Audiobook for free via Audible Free Trial.


Summary

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.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS:
Amazon


AmericasState & LocalUnited Statesebookepubpdfmp3

10 comments

  • Werner C.
    •October 26, 2023 at 11:53 pm
    I always end up getting this guy's books. So far, they haven't let me down. Some might think his work is a bit too detailed, but I can't really fault him for having a solid understanding of what went down during major events like the construction of this iconic bridge. The way he describes the struggles they faced due to high pressure, all while being oblivious to the dangers, is truly eye-opening. You really learn a lot from honest portrayals of people dealing with their ignorance. Who knows what else we're currently clueless about? I was constantly amazed at how Roebling and his father were willing to risk so much, banking on their own skills and knowledge. If they had made any mistakes, the whole project would've been a complete disaster. It was a one-man show, and they deserve all the praise. Good for them!
    0 0 •Reply
  • Boris Wende
    •October 26, 2023 at 12:52 pm
    Unfortunately, I was quite let down by this audiobook. McCullough is renowned for his exceptional skills as a historian and storyteller, but this time he also showcases his expertise as an engineer. While the abundance of intricate details would surely captivate engineers and keep them enthralled, it somewhat overshadowed the human elements of the story. As someone who thoroughly enjoys delving into history and has a penchant for all things tech-related, I must admit that The Great Bridge failed to hold my interest after reaching about three-quarters of the way through. This is the first time I've ever left an unfinished volume by McCullough.
    0 0 •Reply
  • Roselee Ducat
    •October 19, 2023 at 12:32 pm
    I stumbled upon this gem of a book while visiting Asheville, NC, and I cannot express enough gratitude to the stranger who recommended it. As a history enthusiast, "The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge" was right up my alley. One of the highlights of this audiobook is the exceptional narration by Nelson Runger, who brings the story to life with simplicity and beauty. I was particularly fascinated by the significant role played by Emily Roebling in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, stepping in to lead the project after her husband, Washington, fell seriously ill. Her fourteen-year contribution is truly remarkable. While the epilogue may be on the lengthier side, it is absolutely worth every second. It ties the book together perfectly, mirroring the beautiful piano and violin accompaniment that begins the story. In conclusion, "The Great Bridge" is a phenomenal read that I highly recommend.
    0 0 •Reply
  • Merrill Cooperider
    •October 10, 2023 at 12:55 pm
    I'm a huge fan of David McCullough, but I felt that this book focused too heavily on the engineering aspects rather than the storytelling. It's about a bridge, after all. I wanted to hear more of a narrative rather than a step-by-step guide on constructing the bridge. I understand that you might be thinking, "Well, what did you expect from a book about a bridge?" And that's a fair question. I just anticipated a more engaging story. I still admire David McCullough, but unless you're interested in delving deep into engineering terminology, you might want to pass on this book.
    0 0 •Reply
  • Isadora D.
    •October 10, 2023 at 10:36 am
    I absolutely adored every single page of this book and I will definitely be telling all my friends and acquaintances about it. Seriously, every book club out there needs to get their hands on this incredible piece of history that tells the captivating story of the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.
    0 0 •Reply
  • Vicki Calpin
    •September 27, 2023 at 11:45 pm
    The history presented in this book is solid, although it does tend to be quite lengthy. The author delves into intricate details that, at times, can feel drawn out, and there are numerous tangents that divert from the main narrative.
    0 0 •Reply
  • Duncan K.
    •September 25, 2023 at 6:20 am
    The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge offers a captivating narrative filled with intriguing moments, although it occasionally becomes overwhelming with excessive details. The inclusion of visual aids would have greatly enhanced the enjoyment of the descriptive passages.
    0 0 •Reply

Listen related books:

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life
Warrior of the Light: A Manual
Maniac Magee
Point Man: How a Man Can Lead His Family
And the Shofar Blew
Texas! Lucky
X