Building Big Hardcover – October 24, 2000

At the recommendation of a family member, I looked into David Macaulay and bought this book, along with "Underground," for my 5-year old son. Yes, the comprehension level doesn't quite match, and in this day and age, the drawings and printing are just a tad to the "crude" side, but it doesn't matter -- our son is taken by these books. He's opened them and studied a single pages for minutes, then comes to us with all sorts of remarkable questions.For children of this age, these don't make great bedtime reading, but there's no question they engage an active and curious brain, and you may even find yourself attempting to replicate the Golden Gate Bridge out of Legos and string before the night is over!

Great examples and beautiful architecture.

Another excellent Macaulay book! My son is a visual learner and loves all his books. This book has piqued his interest in engineering principles. The illustrations, combined with written information, bring the concepts of engineering and physics to life and he won't forget what he has learned.

Interesting and thoughtful perspective. Got for my 3 year old Godson. He does well with about 1 page per visit. Really written for older readers.

David is a great writer and artist. The PBS series that followed along with this book was fantastic. If you want to know the how and why, here it is. Enjoy!Once you open the book you'll find an abundance of information on gigantic structures from past to publication date. There are bridges,tunnels,dams,domes,skyscrapers covered in great detail. All the art work hand drawn or sketched with labels. If your interested in history and the development of structures this is a very good book on seeing how it was done.There are examples of ever type of structure in each topic. Each topic details the phases involved in construction. In most of these chapters there is a discussion on "why" the thing was built as well as the "who" and "how".Under bridges there are (7) famous ones covered, (6) tunnels, (4)dams, (8)domes, (10)skyscrapers. You won't get bored reading this book. I also suggest the DVD to go with the book and support your local PBS.

Grandson is the off-spring of two engineers. We are related to family owned large construction company and grandson's favorite outing is to sites in progress. He started reading this the moment he unwrapped it. HIGHLY recommend this book and the author.

Although this book is a bit beyond his reading level, our grandson loves it. First he looked carefully at all the pictures, and then he took it into his room and read it. His parents will read it to/with him for now, but I know it will be read, re-read and treasured for a long time!

This is one of those books you will never get rid of. The author/artist details the construction of megaprojects from around the world, with page after page of clear and colorful drawings. Fascinating at any age.