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Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | J 974.71 MAN | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Stillwater Public Library | Q J 974.71 MAN | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Valley Library (Lakeland) | J 974.71 MAN | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
The illustrated true story of the world's most famous skyscraper.
In 1929 the race was on to construct the tallest building in the world. Less than two years later, the race was won and the age of skyscrapers had its exclamation point.
In Empire State Building , author Elizabeth Mann tells the story of an American icon. From start to finishing touches, she tracks the wonders of architecture, engineering, and construction that went into its creation. Her fascinating profiles of the millionaires and laborers capture the essence of the individuals who dreamed of and built this architectural marvel.
Alan Witschonke's paintings are bold and luminous, and his diagrams dazzlingly clear. Photographs by early 20th century master Lewis Hine take the reader up high into the heady, dangerous world of the steelworker out on the edge of girders way above the city streets. Empire State Building is a timely book about the enduring achievement of a great city.
Wonders of the World series
The winner of numerous awards, this series is renowned for Elizabeth Mann's ability to convey adventure and excitement while revealing technical information in engaging and easily understood language. The illustrations are lavishly realistic and accurate in detail but do not ignore the human element. Outstanding in the genre, these books are sure to bring even the most indifferent young reader into the worlds of history, geography, and architecture.
"One of the ten best non-fiction series for young readers."
- Booklist
Author Notes
Elizabeth Mann has written nine Wonder of the World books, an award-winning series cited by Booklist as one of the ten best nonfiction series for young readers.
Alan Witschonke graduated from Rhode Island School of Design. He was the illustrator of two previous Wonder of the World books, Hoover Dam and The Brooklyn Bridge .
Reviews (4)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Young history and architecture buffs may appreciate the detailed information presented in Empire State Building: When New York Reached for the Skies by Elizabeth Mann, illus. by Alan Witschonke, the latest in the Wonders of the World series. Mann delineates the origins of the building, beginning with the business partnership between Al Smith and John Raskob. Well- labeled illustrations offer further explanations of the numerous columns, piers and other structural elements that combine to create this majestic skyscraper. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
The Empire State Building, which opened in 1931, was the culmination of New York's great skyscraper boom and remained the world's tallest building until 1972. The concisely written text follows the design and construction of the building and explores its early social significance. The book is illustrated with archival photos, color art, and a handsome three-page foldout of the completed structure. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Gr. 3-8. This addition to the Wonders of the World Books series introduces the history of the famous skyscraper, which was begun in 1929 at the start of the Great Depression. Mann explains how the new construction techniques and use of steel instead of cast iron made very tall buildings both possible and practical, and introduces two men, Al Smith andohn Raskob, whose talent and determination led to the success of the building venture. Mann writes clearly and concisely, never sacrificing the drama of the story. Smith and Raskob's endeavors to ensure that their structure surpassed the Chrysler Building and a description of an ill-fated attempt to land dirigibles on the 102d floor deck add elements of human interest. Period photos and Witschonke's full-color artwork add much to the text. Particularly impressive are the labeled paintings showing stages of the construction and the four-page foldout of the completed building. A selection of fast facts, a glossary, and a bibliography are appended. An appealing book for browsers and report writers alike. --Kay Weisman Copyright 2004 Booklist
School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-8-Mann's exploration of this New York City icon will capture the imaginations of report writers and general readers alike. The book begins with a discussion of the ambitious plan of two New Yorkers to build the tallest skyscraper and the architectural advances that made this 86-floor building possible. The author covers the competition that resulted from the simultaneous construction of the Chrysler Building, the real story behind the dirigible mast, and the speed of the construction. Labeled, full-page color illustrations help explain concepts. A captioned gatefold details design elements and gives a sense of the incredible height of the building. Numerous black-and-white pictures throughout the volume, and in a month-by-month sequence of photos, depict the construction process. The book concludes with photographs of significant events since the skyscraper's construction, a page of fast facts, a brief glossary, and a map of New York City locating the building. An ideal resource for classes working on architectural projects and a top choice for general reading.-Delia Fritz, Mercersburg Academy, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
