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Amazon.com Review
In the 19th century, the Brooklyn Bridge was viewed as the greatest engineering feat of mankind. The Roeblings--father and son--toiled for decades, fighting competitors, corrupt politicians, and the laws of nature to fabricate a bridge which, after 100 years, still provides one of the major avenues of access to one of the world's busiest cities--as compared to many bridges built at the same time which collapsed within decades or even years. It is refreshing to read such a magnificent story of real architecture and engineering in an era where these words refer to tiny bits and bytes that inspire awe only in their abstract consequences, and not in their tangible physical magnificence.

From Publishers Weekly
This outstanding audio adaptation brings to life the Herculean struggles behind the creation of one of this country's most recognizable and enduring landmarks. Herrmann's rich, expressive voice perfectly complements McCullough's stately language, and the combination of their talents—coupled with the impressiveness of the engineering marvel that is the Brooklyn Bridge—makes this a compulsive listen. Subtle changes in Herrmann's tone clearly set off quotations without interrupting the flow, and though this audiobook is abridged, the deleted segments are briefly summarized by an unobtrusive second narrator so that listeners never feel as if they're missing part of the story. While there are some descriptions of the 13-year construction process that would have benefited from illustrations, the production as a whole is superb. Listeners cannot help being moved by the grandeur of the structure and by the spectacular risks taken by the men who worked on it, particularly chief engineer Washington Roebling, who remained the driving force behind the bridge despite being crippled by the bends and bedridden for many years. Drama of every kind can be found here: political scandals, intense rivalries, extreme loyalty, a charming love story, heroism, spectacular near-disasters, death, illness and war. Once called the eighth wonder of the world, the Brooklyn Bridge still inspires artists and photographers, tourists and natives alike, and it is the only stone-towered, steel-cabled bridge in the world. In this excellent production, listeners will be inspired anew.
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Review
Christopher Lehman-Haupt The New York Times After reading David McCullough's account, you will never look at the old bridge in quite the same way again. -- Review

Customer Reviews

The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge
I have read all of David McCullough's books since May of 2008. They are all true masterpieces. The Great Bridge, along with Truman, are stand outs - but none disappoint! I visited the Brooklyn Bridge after reading this book and actualy saw the expanse for the first time. Before it was just a bridge. After reading the book it became alive with the story of the great(and not so great)people of the times. McCullough is an artist as well as a writer.

"Hey, I have this Bridge in Brooklyn that I want to sell to you!!"
The engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge was John A. Roebling. Unfortunately he never saw the results of his genius. It was his Son Washington Roebling along with his wife Emily who would bring the bridge to fruition over the East River. It was the major connect between Manhattan and the borough of Brooklyn, Long Island. It doesn't sound like much but this bridge developed the great metropolis of New York City into the center of the Western World in the late 19th Century and onto the 20th Century. The span took over 13 years to complete. The most difficult aspect of its building was the building of the foundation of the bridge. The underground work in the formation of the Caissons proved to be difficult and in many cases fatal to the workers. Eventually these problems were resolved and the bridge was completed under the auspices of the directions of Emily Roebling. Washington Roebling by this time was only the symbolic leader of this enormous project.
David McCullough has written a masterpiece. I believe it to be one of the major historical works of the 20th Century. He wrote this book as he lived and breathed in Brooklyn, NY. Five Stars and as you well know, No Problem!!!!

Great Bridge, great book
I drive over it every day to work and know that it's the most beautiful bridge in the world, but I had no idea of the labor, engineering innovation, political dealmaking, and family drama involved in building it until I read this terrific book. McCullough is at his best describing the Roeblings, the father and son engineering team who pioneered the use of steel cable in suspension bridges, and stewarded the Brooklyn Bridge through to completion. He also gives a vivid picture of the harrowing work done by the "sandhogs" who had to dig the underwater foundation of the bridge's towers. But McCullough, who knows and writes about American history as well as anyone alive, is surprisingly slightly less good when it comes to discussing the political back and forth between the Tweed ring and the New York state Republicans who originally sponsored the project. On the whole though, this is a great read. I highly recommend it.