****New Post!****** Dreams of Iron and Steel, by Deborah Cadbury
If there were such a thing as a vacation book for an engineer, this would be it. Accessible for a non-engineer like myself, but enough detail that an engineer would find a deeper appreciation of some of the technicalities than I could provide. A building overview of 7 wonders of the Victorian world, this book covers just the fun stuff–how these amazing structures came to be, rather than chapter after chapter of financial issues, personal politics, etc. which tend to bog down other books of this nature. Enough of those topics is mentioned to understand what went on, but the boring details are not present. The reader is just left with how people persevered to fulfill a vision against the odds.
I was struck by the toll these projects took on the figureheads–with many of them suffering breakdowns during or after the project. But the wives, despite the years of suffering the short end of the stick living with a workaholic, stand staunchly by their husbands’ sides in these low moments and help them get back to completing their dreams. Talk about a different world. I was also struck by the presence and absence of corruption in the background of these projects. The Hoover Dam and transcontinental railroad were particularly notorious. Actually, downright embarrassing. The lighthouse and the Brooklyn Bridge were relatively free from icky politics. But all of the building projects truly were marvels of their day, and all of them stand to this day as an enduring testament of the era.
The Story of Buildings, by Dillon Patrick
The contents of this book live up exactly to the title and provided an excellent start to my year’s exploration on cool stuff people built. Dillon thoroughly but accessibly tells the story of humanity through the buildings they have created in history. It is fascinating how mankind seems to innovate the technology needed to create the type of building they envision. The styles and achievements of different ages each contribute to the history, values, and functions of the buildings created and the people who built them.
Buildings from the pyramids to skyscrapers are addressed, described, and illustrated beautifully to see how they came together. The stories, the people, the materials, the goals–they all combine to create a unique perspective on history.
If you enjoy history (told broadly, so that you can see how eras connect), architecture, or art, you will find this book interesting. It looks like this book is targeted toward a junior high/high school level, but it is not juvenile, just accessible.
Circuits in the Sea, by Chester G. Hearn
3.5 star read of a five star story. The failure, heartbreak, restarts, and ultimate success of the laying of the transAtlantic cable is an amazing testimony to man’s ability to persevere to achieve a vision. It is a tale of meeting the right people, seeing potential where others do not, and a tale of patience. The men involved in this undertaking truly were pioneers of their age, full of grit, motivated by opportunity in many packages. They, in addition to the technology developed in the endeavor, are the real story.
I feel like a writer of the ilk of Laura Hillenbrand could have brought the storylines together in a way that brought them to life, but the narrative was compiled in such a way as to lose the true flavor of the people. Too much telling, not enough showing. Too many being verbs. The book certainly relays all the facts, so this is still a good place to get the story; it is just not told as a very exciting story.
Parks for the People: The Life of Frederick Law Olmstead, by Julie Dunlap
I was looking more for a book on HOW Olmsted designed Central and other parks, but this book focused more on his life. This is certainly a deficiency, not in the book itself, inherently. As a book on Olmsted, this was a fine overview, certainly not blogging down in detail. I would recommend for upper elementary or junior high, for a biography or research.
The discussions on how Olmsted pioneered the work that he did was the most valuable and interesting. I felt that the ending come far too abruptly, hardly mentioning two of Olmsted’s projects—Biltmore and the 1893 World’s Fair. Also lacking were details about the apparently complex interpersonal relationships that were part of Olmsted’s life.
Overall, a surface look at an interesting life, whose effects we live in today.
The Great Wall, by William Lindesay
For someone somewhat familiar with Chinese history and geography, this would be an excellent resource. My knowledge of these areas is less than elementary, so place and people names had little significance. Clearly, though, a deficiency on my part, rather than this book’s. I only say this so you can gauge how this may read for you.
I was hoping for more info on the building process, since the way the Wall hugs the flow of the land is so unique. But what is there regarding this was interesting. I loved how different emperors carried on the work on the Wall, making it a unifying force in China, though it was intended to divide.
The abundant labor force casts a dreary light upon this magnificent structure, with tradition testifying to laborers being buried where they died in the Wall.
Overall, an excellent academic resource, providing an overview of the Wall. Beautiful pictures!
The Mystery of the Hanging Garden of Babylon: An Elusive World Wonder Traced, by Stephanie Dalley
The Hanging Gardens of Nineveh? I was skeptical at first of the argument that Dalley puts forth in this book, transposing the location of the World Wonder to a different city than tradition establishes. Could the contemporaries of the building project be so silly as to make such a significant geographical mistake? However, I left the book persuaded that the marvel did truly exist, and most likely in Nineveh. Recommended for those interested in the Ancient Wonders, Ancient Near East history, or engineering.
Dalley explains the lack of documentation in Babylon for a building project as significant as the Hanging Gardens, a notable change from the norms of the times, which tended to document in detail any significant building project underway during a king’s reign. She goes on to discuss the fairly common imposition of place names on one another as kingdoms conquered one another and took dominion over new territories–same with king names. The association was one that was meant to be metaphorical–Nineveh called Babylon is a city of the same grandeur as Babylon (which was remarkable in its own right, just not with gardens). Archeological evidence does suggest waterways sufficient to irrigate a garden of the scope described in the Hanging Gardens, and this capability is lacking in Babylon. Engineering knowledge to build a water screw was also present in Nineveh. Altogether, the case for the Hanging Gardens of Nineveh is pretty compelling.
I did find it comical how hard Dalley worked to avoid biblical support for or against the culture of Nineveh at the time (and surrounding ANE areas), except where descriptions supported her case. I think it is safe to say that biblical writers used similar language to their contemporaries with similar understandings applied, and I also think it is possible to recognize that as kings imposed themselves on different regions, they may have wanted to preserve the best parts of the conquered kingdom to associate their own names with them. The last third of the book focused on getting around historical/biblical assumptions that Nineveh was destroyed in 612 BC, which was not only distracting from the main point, but tried too hard to accomplish something that didn’t need to be accomplished. Other than that, this would have been a five-star read for me, as Dalley is a clear writer, with the ability to make specialized content accessible to a casual reader.
Machu Picchu: A Civil Engineering Marvel, by Kenneth R. Wright, Ruth M. Wright, and Alfredo Valencia Zegarra
In terms of research, engineering know-how, and detail, this is a five-star read. The authors are knowledgeable engineers with excellent insights into the water distribution and building structures. Data was precise and thorough. Anyone interested in how to maximize a region’s water supply or construct water diversion simply and effectively would benefit from this read. I feel like there is a lot to be learned here in an age so concerned with managing resources. The Incas understood that, and the authors highlight that knowledge.
However, as a non-engineer reader, there were parts that were a bit technical (though not beyond comprehension) and redundant. I wanted more about the overall building process, which is present, but is almost expected to be background knowledge that the reader already has. So clearly, this was not the right book for me to start with, in exploring Machu Picchu. I was struck by the resourcefulness of the builders, working with the land, not against it, using what was on hand to accomplish objectives, using creativity to fit things where they needed to fit. Impressive. The history connected with this people and this place makes Machu Picchu a testament of interrupted attempts at greatness.
I also question the placement of the chapter on Inca history and culture. I felt like it should have been chapter one, not nine. Also, archaeologists seriously need to connect their history with their theories. Any chance Machu Picchu was abandoned because of all the political unrest and infighting going on in the early 1500s?
The written “walking tour” chapter at the end was a bit stilted in an armchair traveler setting, but if I ever visit the site, I would totally take that with me.
Plentiful photos that beg to be in color.
The Agony and the Ecstacy, by Irving Stone
This book will haunt me, remain with me, and inspire me. Though this is a novel of Michelangelo—his life, works, and the backdrop that shaped his career—it is truly a novel of the creative process. Recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, art, the Renaissance, biographies, or those who are creative but who need an impetus to get the ball rolling on their own masterpiece; this cannot fail to inspire creativity.
As a person, Michelangelo is a feisty marvel, always dedicated to going after what he needed to create. He was a force to be reckoned with, a force unto himself. As an artist, Michelangelo was insatiable, feeding off of the creative drive. Truly, he was inspired.
After reading this novel, I understand Renaissance art in a way I hadn’t before. Why all the nudity? Artists were rediscovering the human body as the pinnacle of God’s creation, rather than a sinful vessel. Why so many figures? Why posed that way? Stone provides artistic criticism that rings with clarity and truth. I also understand the political tensions that undergirded the immense creativity of the Renaissance. Who knew popes could be so controversial and confounding!
I enjoyed looking up the pieces Michelangelo was creating and viewing them online so I could picture the process in the book. I feel like a richer person by reading this book—understanding art, history, and important historical figures in a way that was meaningful.
The Puzzle of Ancient Man: Advanced Technology in Ancient Civilizations? by Donald E. Chittick
Part of my “Cool Stuff People Built” theme, I was fascinated by the achievements that historical man has made, with no modern understanding of HOW it was achieved. Dr. Chittick makes a convincing case for the intelligence of ancient man, citing many different regions and examples of high tech culture. Recommended for those interested in history, archaeology, biblical timeline, creation/origins. If you are passing this on to someone who is not a believer, just be aware that there is a preachy time to the biblical sections, so take that into account for tour recommendee. I didn’t mind it, as it reflected to me the heart of the author, which wants everyone to love the Lord.
The sections that directly related to these sites and finds were well done, compelling, and inspirational. I want to learn how to move huge rocks now. Btw, how is it that no one has said that universally, man had the technology/capability to move and place immense rocks, even when they came from far away. There are global examples of these megaliths; this was not a local phenomenon. We can’t move rocks that size anymore. What have we lost? Can we rediscover these techniques?
Other types of monuments are discussed, laying out a wide range of evidence for the long-standing high intelligence of mankind. The case is really undeniable.
In addition to this incredible story of technology, Dr. Chittick also provides thorough biblical background on issues that come up in discussions of ancient man. While I believe many of his insights are correct, some of the buildup to the conclusions was assumed, rather than developed. Especially true in discussions of the Flood; all the geological events that are brought up are assumed, rather than discussed as the other sections were, with evidence, possibilities, etc.
The Chunnel: The Amazing Story of the Undersea Crossing of the English Channel, by Drew Fetherston
If you are looking for examples of high-powered negotiations or extreme budgets, this is the book for you. I was not. I was looking for how an incredible underwater railroad tunnel was built. Certainly there was some information on that, but most of the content focused on political and financial challenges of this project. By no means am I diminishing these very real conflicts and troubles and the dominance they took in accomplishing the physical feat. It was more like—I get it, the British and the French don’t get along; this is an expensive project. Definitely began to skim around page 200.
So as far as a building project book goes, this was a disappointment. I learned just enough to admire immensely the crew who carried out the project, but I wish I knew more about the process and the troubleshooting.
100 Years of Architecture, by Alan Powers
I was extremely impressed by the journey through architectural thought that this book demonstrates both in written explanation and in its stunning photos. Perhaps a broader background in art or architecture could have helped me appreciate this thought and detail more, but my own lack does not diminish the knowledge and information in this book.
Would be an excellent coffee table book, but also could grace the shelves of an art or architectural enthusiast. Impressive display of global examples, proving the big-picture trends ultimately being tracked. Also, the selection of buildings showed a range from the commonplace to the iconic, showing how theory touched every level of society’s buildings. Fascinating how philosophies and ideas change, influence one another, and spread. Here, the reader can literally see this play out.
Louvre: Portrait of a Museum, by Nicholas D’Archimbaud
Gorgeous pictures made me want to pack up and live at the Louvre for a month. The building itself has undergone an amazing history, continued in bursts and pauses depending on French politics. The sum of the work done, though, is currently a well-organized, well-filled center of arts. The deliberation in which this goal was achieved made an interesting story at the beginning of this book.
After the history of the museum, the different departments are highlighted, with a history of the art and artists on display there. Great info, but a skim for me this time, as I was focusing on the building of the museum and the establishment of the collections.
Overall, this book is an excellent overview of art history.
Falling Upwards: How We Took to the Air, by Richard Holmes
What a quirky niche of history to explore! We all know that balloons are fun, exhilarating, and adventurous. But who knew that balloons were part of reconnaissance in the Civil War? Or provided mail services during some of France’s complicated politics? In a compelling narrative, Holmes breaks down various aspects of ballooning history—pleasure, exploration, scientific breakthroughs, and politics. Recommended for those who love everything Victorian, the spirit of discovery, or French history.
One of the strengths of this story is the way Holmes centered the different categories around the people involved in them. He created a connection between the innovators and the reader, so that you were really rooting for whatever success the different ballooners were reaching for.
The other touch of genius was breaking up the broad topic of ballooning into the different subtopics. That kept things from becoming overwhelming, boring, or choppy. Characters overlapped, so there was a sense of unity that Holmes maintained with ease and expertise.
My favorite sections were the exhibition flights and the French politics. French politics is always entertaining, but when you add a siege, balloons, pigeons, and microfilm, it’s hard to beat.
The Seven Wonders of the World, by Ron Tagliapietra
3.5 stars. A good basic overview of different types of world wonders. The scope of each is brief, just giving highlights, so I would recommend as a place to start a study on a topic like this, with room to grow into more details.
I really liked the distinction between types of world wonders, as this allowed many amazing features on our planet to be addressed. I also respected the intentionality to look to lists of the past for guidance and to draw conclusions that take into account a global picture of the question. For some features, though, I felt the treatment was too simplistic, and, in some cases, overly preachy. Don’t get me wrong–I’m a strong advocate of the Christian worldview in all areas of study–but some of the “Christian-y” content was clearly inserted to try to make sure there was something “Christian-y.” Some of the wonders lent themselves naturally to talking about the Christian worldview, and that was fine. Some felt forced.
Parting the Desert: The Creation of the Suez Canal, by Zachary Karabell
Click here for review.
The Invention of Miracles, by Katie Booth
3.5 stars. Well-written, fair-minded account of Alexander Graham Bell, one of the 19th centuries giants. His achievements are many, ranging from telephone to the gramophone, to methods of educating the deaf. It is here where the author has an explicit axe to grind with Bell, and this axe is the only reason it is not 4 stars. It really detracts from the balanced, whole-person view she presents over the course of the book. I would be really interested to hear the thoughts of someone else connected with the deaf community.
Here are the facts as I understood them:
-Bell was full of compassion for the deaf and desired to help them.
-Bell tutored deaf students in a variety of contexts to learn to speak.
-Bell’s teaching methods were based on the universal alphabet that his father had developed.
-Bell began his inventing career in the aim of helping the deaf.
-Bell returned to teaching after his invention was established, advocating for the methods he knew (oralism).
-In the meantime, methods of educating the deaf revolving around sign escalated.
-Bell preferred his methods rooted in his motives and continued to promote them.
-Bell researched eugenics to determine the growth of born-deaf children in America.
-Bell rejected the harshest conclusions of eugenics when his research indicated results other than his hypothesis—results favorable to the deaf community.
Based on this, the author vilifies Bell as the ultimate squelcher of sign language, delaying the development of this unique language and culture from the deaf community. However, this conclusion misses the fact that the goal that Bell was seeking was for the deaf to have a way to FUNCTION in the hearing world. He did miss the fact that the deaf community (the idea of which he did not like because he did not want them to feel in any way “other” based on their “disability”) desired (and sometimes neurologically needed) LANGUAGE more than function.
But this is all at the time when educating the deaf was an experiment, where parents begged teachers of any method to do something to help their child to belong in some way, where everything was still trial and error. And, of course, there was error. It’s too bad that Bell and his opponents couldn’t see that both of their ideas were necessary—that the deaf needed language, but they also needed a way to cross the language barrier with the hearing. What a beautiful partnership that would have been.
But the need to be right caused much pain, in particular for the author’s grandmother—whose story bookends the historical narrative and creates a strong and immediate appeal to pity. My take on Bell is that he is a complex human, full of goodness and mistakes, genius and narrowmindedness, just like the rest of us.
That Lady Who Reads A Lot 