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

Mann, Elizabeth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1931414084 ISBN 13: 9781931414081

Publisher: Mikaya Press, 2006

Synopsis

From start to finish, Mann tracks the wonders of architecture, engineering, and construction that went into the creation of the tallest building in the world for the time. Fascinating profiles describe the individuals who dreamed of and built this architectural marvel. Archival photographs recreate the heady world of the steelworkers out on the girders, high above the city streets.

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 Wonders of the World books, an award-winning series. She is former teacher in New York, holds an M.S.E. and is cofounder of Mikaya Press.

Alan Witschonke is the illustrator of four Wonders of the World books: The Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, The Great Wall and Hoover Dam.

Review:

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

Young history and architecture buffs may appreciate the detailed information presented. (Publishers Weekly 2004-02-02)

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)

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 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)

With interesting facts ranging from building inspection and safety issues to the delivery of food and materials to the upper floors, Empire State Building provides readers with plenty of history and even a bit of physics.... Mann draws readers in with her writing style, taking them back to New York City, circa 1930. She not only explains construction techniques and other technical information clearly, but she also gives readers a sense of the thinking process behind the building's design and the problem-solving that went on as the project progressed. Yet it is her focus on the human stories that will most captivate readers. Abundant coloured and black and white archival photographs, maps and paintings provide additional information and enhance the text. There are numbered diagrams showing the sequential steps in various construction techniques as well as a double foldout page showing the month-by-month progress of the construction. A well-written account of a tremendous architectural
feat. Highly Recommended. (Gail Hamilton Canadian Materials 2003-12-12)

About this edition

• Publisher: Mikaya Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1931414084
• ISBN 13: 9781931414081
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 48
• Illustrator: Witschonke Alan