The George Washington Bridge: Poetry in Steel
The George Washington Bridge: Poetry in Steel
Since opening in 1931, the George Washington Bridge, linking New York and New Jersey, has become the busiest bridge in the world, with 108 million vehicles crossing it in 2007. Many people also consider it the most beautiful bridge in the world, yet remarkably little has been written about this majestic structure.
Intimate and engaging, Michael Rockland’s rich narrative presents perspectives on the GWB, as it is often called, that span history, architecture, engineering, transportation, design, the arts, politics, and even post-9/11 mentality. Stunning archival photos, from the late 1920s when the bridge was built through the present, are a powerful complement to the bridge s history. Rockland covers the competition between the GWB and
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Poetry In Steel,
Michael Rockland’s book “The George Washington Bridge: Poetry In Steel”
Is both brilliant and funny–a rare combination. The book is as much
about Rockland’s love affair with, and experiences on, the bridge as
about the bridge itself. After so many books on the less consequential
Brooklyn Bridge, it’s about time the George, the world’s busiest bridge still after 75 years, got its due. The highlight of the book is Rockland’s adventures on the bridge, including climbing to the top of one of the towers. I’ve read many of Rockland’s books. This one, beautifully illustrated, is his best. A must read.
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|Best History Book Ever Written,
I love everything about this book. From its light weight, beautiful insert photos, and accurate yet engaging historical prose, I couldn’t put it down. For anyone who lives in the tri-state area, or just loves New York, this is a wonderful read. I bought three copies for friends who love history books.
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|Good book, bit light,
I guess I was spoiled by McCulloghs book on the Brooklyn Bridge and expected a longer more detailed book.
Nonetheless an overall good read. Fast and easy, and a couple of very interesting tidbits. Specifically did you know there are tunnels under 178th and 179th street where bridge traffic used to go?
You can even see the east side exits on Google Maps!
A little heavy on his personal experiences with the bridge, which is fine, but I would have liked more information, more pictures perhaps, and really more content.
I would recommend it for bridge-o-philes still.
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