Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Isambard Brunel was an engineering genius, a technical innovative icon out of the top drawer and one of the greatest figures of the Industrial Revolution. His imagination, innovation and sheer manic drive saw Brunel overcome the engineering problems of the day with radical new designs and concepts in regard to the design and construction of ships, railways, bridges and tunnels. He simply changed the face of the English landscape and maritime travel with his groundbreaking designs and ingenious constructions....a man whose engineering masterpieces were years ahead of his time.L. T. C. Rolt's masterly, authoritative and descriptive biography is the definitive work on Brunel, tracing the life, times and monumental achievements of the man who helped to build modern Britain. He portrays a genius of a man who eventually worked himself to death....fascinating reading on the era where we moved from the horse to the train and from sail to steam sea travel...an excellent read!

Highly revealing and often surprising exploration of Brunel. Readable, yet sufficiently (accessibly) detailed on the engineering to expose the intelligence and creativity of this amazing man. The incredible energy, vision and tenacity behind the achievements, and their scale came as a shock. The human aspects of Brunel's life, in terms of relationships, successes and failures are handled with sympathetic objectivity, and subtle humour by Rolt in understated, often wry observations of the human nature of the protagonists. I can fully understand why this is considered the definitive chronicle.

Very happy with this product - its is a gift. Arrived quickly and I am very happy with the item.

I've heard about IKB just a few time ago from a British friend, and even if years ago I walked on the Suspension Bridge in Bristol he was someone unknown to me. I'm now fascinated by its history and endeavors and I can't understand why this genius is almost unknown outside UK. Every Briton can be proud about IKB, and next time I will be in London I will surely visit again Paddington Station dreaming to walk close to this amazing British Engineer!

got this for a gift but will not be sending as was described as in very good condition the pages had become yellow and creased.

Weirdest book I've ever started! Starts at page 1, goes to page 132, jumps to 181, goes to page 228, restarts from 181 and goes on to the end! 47 pages missing. I've had to give it one star but for me worth none of course. Taking it up with Amazon.

This is without a doubt the best and most readable review of Brunel.Rolt covers all of his great works, but in the style of a true biographer, setting the work against the background of the man's life and trials outside the engineering sphere. I have read it over and over, never loses it's appeal, buy it , enjoy it, and appreciate THE engineer who changed the face of Britain forever.

A true genius who only saw the possible in the impossible. Most of what he built is still standing now and working. Tunnels under the Thames and Bridges of great beauty. A great read of a great man. A maker of the industrial revolution... and half French to boot.