THE BUILDER: MARVELS OF ENGINEERING (N)

THE BUILDER: MARVELS OF ENGINEERING by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY is a well-regarded book, especially for those interested in engineering, architecture, and history.

The book is a comprehensive look at some of the world's most impressive engineering feats, both ancient and modern. It covers a wide range of topics, often organized into thematic chapters. Key themes include:

• Overcoming Distance: This section likely covers marvels like roads, canals (such as the Panama Canal), bridges (like the Golden Gate Bridge), and pipelines.
• Height and Depth: This focuses on structures that reach great heights or go deep underground, including towers, tunnels, and skyscrapers.
• Public Spaces: This section highlights the engineering behind large public buildings like sports arenas and exposition halls.
• Protection: This likely details projects designed for protection, such as dams, sea walls, and other flood control structures.

The book is praised for being lavishly illustrated with stunning photographs and in-depth information, which is a hallmark of National Geographic publications. It's not just a collection of pictures; it also delves into the stories behind these projects, highlighting the technological breakthroughs and the builders who made them possible.

The central theme is the vision of John D. Rockefeller Jr. to create a city within a city, and the book explores how this concept was realized, from the initial plans for the Metropolitan Opera to the development of a commercial and entertainment hub.

It is a good choice for anyone with an interest in how humanity has harnessed nature's power and overcome its challenges to build incredible monuments and infrastructure.