Bridges: The Spans of North America

Whether built of stone brick wood iron steel or concrete bridges have captivated our imaginations more than any other man-made structures. Whether built of wood stone iron steel or concrete bridges have captivated our imaginations more than any other man-made structures. In David Plowden's words there is no more overt powerful or rational expression of accomplishment?of man's ability to build. And Americans in particular have excelled in this structural art. This book explores in depth how when where and by whom the most important North American bridges were built. Over 185 of Plowden's superb photographs allow us to dwell on the most important scientific and aesthetic qualities of each bridge. In addition Plowden has included original designs and drawings of structures?some unbuilt gone or dramatically altered?illuminating less obvious aspects of these engineering marvels and introducing us to bridges we otherwise would never have seen. In his extensive text Plowden vividly records th