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The Great Bridge

The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge

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About this listen

 A monumental tale of American ambition, told by Pulitzer Prize–winning author and master historian David McCullough. This gripping saga of the creation of the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the country’s boldest engineering achievements, reveals not only the politics and personalities behind "America’s Eiffel Tower," but charts New York’s ascent as a thriving metropolis.

Around 1870, during the Age of Optimism—a time when Americans believed anything was possible—the ambitious idea of constructing an unprecedented bridge across the East River to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn took root. This monumental project demanded a vision and determination on par with the efforts that built the great cathedrals of history.

Spearheaded by the Roebling family, the project faced staggering odds throughout its fourteen years of construction. Bodies were crushed, lives were lost, political empires fell, and waves of public emotion constantly threatened its progress. The Roeblings, too, were not immune to personal tragedies. Yet, Emily Roebling rose above these challenges to become the pivotal force behind the bridge’s completion, shattering all societal expectations of her era. This is not just the story of an engineering miracle; it is a sweeping narrative of the social climate of the time and the heroes and rascals who either built or exploited this groundbreaking enterprise. Americas Engineering State & Local United States War
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A magnificent and epic work, beautifully narrated.

David McCullough's canvas extends much wider than the building of the iconic bridge, although that in itself is a fascinating story.

Equally if not more fascinating are the characters of John A. Roebling and his son Washington who respectively conceived and built it, and the colourful supporting cast whom they encountered along the way.

A Magnificent Epic

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An essential optimistic can do account of prototypical American can do attitude. Perhaps 20% too long winded, but still leaves the reader witj respecy for the acheibements of Toebæing sbd his associates

Classic McCullough

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