Empire State Building: When New York Reached for the Skies (Wonders of the World Book) - Hardcover

Mann, Elizabeth

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1931414068 ISBN 13: 9781931414067

Publisher: Mikaya Press, 2003

Synopsis

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

About this title

About the Author:

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.

Review:

Book of Outstanding Merit (Children's Book Committee, Bank Street College)

Notable Children's Book in the Field of Social Studies for 2004 (National Council for the Social Studies and The Ch)

Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, Honor Book, 2004 (National Council of Teachers of English)

Best Children's Books (New York Magazine)

The glamour girl of the New York skyline gets the star treatment in this overview of her planning and construction. (Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books)

Will capture the imagination... An ideal resource for classes working on architectural projects and a top choice for general reading. (Delia Fritz School Library Journal)

A fascinating narrative... an excellent inside look at the birth of this landmark. (Krys Stefansky The Virginian-Pilot 2004-02-24)

Mann writes with clarity about the technical aspects... and with verve about the building's inspiring effect on New Yorkers... Best are the illustrations. (Elizabeth Ward Washington Post 2003-11-23)

The Top Five... A detailed story of the construction and profiles of the millionaires and laborers involved. (New York Magazine 2004-03-15)

Mann writes clearly and concisely, never sacrificing the drama of the story... Period photos and Witschonke's full-color artwork add much to the text. (Kay Weisman Booklist / RBB 2004-02-01)

About this edition

• Publisher: Mikaya Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1931414068
• ISBN 13: 9781931414067
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 48
• Illustrator: Witschonke Alan