The Empire State Building (Building America)

When it was completed in 1931, this world-famous landmark was the tallest building ever built and a triumphant example of the power of human engineering. 'Building America' chronicles the massive undertakings that mark some of the greatest triumphs of human engineering. These projects are a testament to the boldness of human ingenuity and a tribute to the brave spirit of the American people. It is that special spirit that is now captured in the pages of 'Building America'.

Grade 3-8?A look at the famous skyscraper from conception through construction to renovation, with interesting sidebars on such trivia as its place in films. The structure was an engineering and construction feat as revealed in this well-written and well-researched historical account. Original black-and-white photographs of the building as it was built and full-color photographs of it today enhance the text. A valuable source for information on this American landmark.?Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This capsule history of a wonderful structure is full of the facts and figures that make that Art Deco landmark such a marvel. Doherty and Doherty (Arnold Schwarzenegger, 1993, etc.) recreate the tempo of the project--rush, rush, taking little more than a year from start to finish--as set against the appalling Depression-era conditions that surrounded the building's construction: When their jobs were finished, many laborers were sent straight to the bread line. The sheer magnitude of the endeavor makes the book captivating, and sidebars add interest, including information on the glorification of the building in the movies, from King Kong to Independence Day. Full-color and black- and-white period and contemporary photographs convey a sense of timelessness--the great slab is fairly unchanged, nearly 70 years later. (Nonfiction. 8-11) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.