From the Publisher
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
The Washington Post
Best are the illustrations, from Witschonke's realistic, full-spread cityscapes and diagrams to reproductions of period photos, including the famous shots taken by Lewis Hine during construction, some "from the end of a crane cable that suspended him in the air nearly a quarter of a mile above the ground." Mann's word for the view up there, "knee-weakening," is exactly right.
—Elizabeth Ward
Publishers Weekly
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. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Susan Hepler, Ph.D.
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Children's Literature
Using the Empire State Building as the template, the author opens with a fine review of building techniques that enabled Al Smith, failed presidential candidate, to regain the limelight in New York City. She then details the building of the once-tallest building in the world (until the first World Trade Tower was build). Weight-bearing walls had given way to iron and then steel constructions with hung curtain walls that could withstand the pressure of added stories. Otis had perfected the elevator. And competition for the world's tallest building, with this construction vying for the title against the Chrysler Building, spurred Smith and his partner to plan an even taller structure with dirigible mooring atop. Mann draws on the period photographs of Lewis Hine to accompany Witschonke's paintings and a double gatefold depicts the rather strict geometry of the building, plus the setbacks that allowed for less shadow cast on the surrounding neighborhood. This volume works well with Mann's many other "Wonders of the World Books" to give young readers a taste of the things builders consider in constructing mammoth structures, the settings and history into which these structures are inserted, and the sheer enormity of moving bricks, erecting scaffolding, feeding the machines, and removing detritus. One touching photograph shows the woodpile from which Depression-era poor could take firewood that Smith had made available from leftover scraps cut to stove lengths. It is this sort of detail that makes Mann a master of the nonfiction genre. 2003, Mikaya Press, Ages 10 to 14.
School Library Journal
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 Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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