ePub Great Bridges: From Ancient Times to the Twentieth Century (Dover Architecture) by Wilbur J. Watson in Arts-Photography

Description

Bridges serve a practical purpose; providing passage over rivers; valleys; roads; railroad tracks; and other obstacles to transportation. But many bridges are also works of art. This splendid archive by an expert on the history of bridges and civil engineering amply illustrates the art of good bridge design; as exemplified by ancient and modern constructions. Wilbur J. Watsons study ranges far and wide; and his text mdash; accompanied by 200 rare photographs and illustrations mdash; contains vivid descriptions of many of the Old and New Worlds finest bridges; as well as historical data; and considerable literary and legendary lore.Bridges of all purposes and sizes are consideredmdash;from stone viaducts in Roman Iberia and Chinese masonry arches of the Han dynasty to the pontoon spans of Asia Minor and the modern steel and concrete suspension bridges in Geneva; Switzerland; and in New York. Here also are views of the Old London Bridge (1209); the Karlsbruuml;cke in Prague; the imposing 14th-century Valentreacute; bridge in Cahors; France; and scores more.A fact-filled pictorial guide; this volume will be welcomed by students of engineering and architecture; and anyone who has ever marveled at the size and grandeur of a well-built bridge.