The Life of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Civil Engineer

One of the greatest civil engineers of all time, Isambard Kingdom Brunel is famous for his innovative and enduring creations. This intimate account of his life, written by his son, records his most famous achievements, including the dangerous work on the Thames Tunnel which almost cost him his life, and the Clifton suspension bridge which spans the Avon Gorge. However, it was his work on the Great Western Railway between Bristol and London and the development of screw-propulsion for the ships of the Royal Navy, culminating in the building of the first propeller ship the Great Britain, that were his lasting contributions to engineering. His other great passion was the construction of steamships, and with the largest steamship ever built, the Great Eastern, he crowned his career. Sadly it was the stresses attendant with the building of this ship which led to his declining health and ultimate death shortly before the launch. This account of the life of Brunel illustrates a man who was utterly dedicated to his calling and whose legacy continues to have an impact in today's world.