Bridges

Rating:
Summary: Rebuttal #2
Review: May I make the comment that DuPre did not use only use ONLY stock photos in her most recent book, Bridges. As a photo archivist, I helped her select original historic photos from the collections of Hagley Library. I think her latest effort is an excellent history of bridge making to the those of us who are not professional engineers.

Rating:
Summary: Rebuttal to comment by Mark Yashinsky
Review: Mr. Yashinsky is a Senior Bridge Engineer at CDOT. Judith Dupre's audience is the world full of people who are NOT Senior Bridge Engineers and her mission is to present the fascinating subject of bridges to that audience. An important part of accomplishing that mission IS about marketing. My personal collection of 182 bridge books includes two volumes by Fritz Leonhardt which I hold in high regard. I am pleased to say that I also hold Judith Dupre's new book in high regard and that I think it admirably accomplishes its goal. Robert Cortright ([e-mail]), Tigard, Oregon.

Rating:
Summary: Wide format fun for bridge lovers!
Review: Show an average person the Golden Gate or the Brooklyn Bridge and watch their eyes light up. Tell that average person some history or what design methods were used, and watch their eyes glaze over. History, technology and entertainment is a difficult mix, especially in print, but Judith Dupre' combines them wonderfully in "Bridges" - a worthy follow-up to her best selling "Skyscrapers". Fifty of history's most famous spans are detailed in this wonderful collage of text, photos, graphics and trivia bits. Bridges are wide, and so is this book, which measures a full 36 inches when opened. One most appealing aspect of Judith Dupre's work is the many "sidebar" views she takes of her subjects. Pages are devoted to covered bridges, portable bridges used in war, bridge catastrophes, even "Bridges in the Movies". An interview with the Guinness Book record holder for "most suspension bridges walked across" offers a personal dimension, and mirrors the passion that many readers no doubt feel for these creations. This is a fun book, suitable for the aficionado or for people who would like to enjoy the subject without being overpowered. The author is not afraid to have fun with her subject, and that makes "Bridges" a fun book you will enjoy for a long time! - Jeff Herzer

Rating:
Summary: Bridgesite.net gives unique book 5 stars
Review: The book immediately draws interest because of its unique shape and size. About three foot long when opened, it is ideally proportioned for profile views of bridges. It is an ideal coffee table book though probably hard to manage on a shelve. It makes good viewing on one day and good reading on another. Some statistical information in the back is a useful check on bridges the reader has visited. Would consider giving it to any young civil engineer type, foreign traveler, or anyone with interest in architecture.

Rating:
Summary: wonderful pictures and interesting text
Review: The book immediately draws interest because of its unique shape and size. About three foot long when opened, it is ideally proportioned for profile views of bridges. It is an ideal coffee table book though probably hard to manage on a shelve. It makes good viewing on one day and good reading on another. Some statistical information in the back is a useful check on bridges the reader has visited. Would consider giving it to any young civil engineer type, foreign traveler, or anyone with interest in architecture.

Rating:
Summary: Bridgesite.net gives unique book 5 stars
Review: This is a book that all bridge lovers will appreciate. It combines a unique presentation (1/2 yard long) with wonderful pictures. This book does only include general information on the bridge so if you are looking for a highly technical book this is not it. However this is a great book to have on your coffee table as your guests will enjoy the unique layout and breathtaking pictures.