Washington Roebling's Father: A Memoir of John A. Roebling

Abstract

• Even among legendary engineers, the Roebling family stands out. The brilliant and irascible patriarch John A. Roebling achieved renown as a canal engineer, bridge designer, and innovator of wire rope—a technology that makes possible modern suspension bridges, high-rise elevators, construction cranes, and cable cars. All four of John's sons inherited the family business, but only the eldest—the reserved, thoughtful Washington—staked an independent claim to fame, most notably for his work on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

  Between 1893 and 1907, Washington Roebling wrote about his father's life, character, career, and achievements with candor and intimate family details. Part biography, part memoir, Washington Roebling's Father makes available for the first time the text of this remarkable manuscript. Donald Sayenga, an internationally recognized authority on the history of wire rope, has painstakingly transcribed the original manuscript and tracked down annotations for hundreds of people, places, events, and technologies.

  Washington Roebling's Father: A Memoir of John A. Roebling is both an accurate and complete biography of John and a frank narrative of Washington's memories and inner life. As a rare glimpse into the genius and failings of two towering figures, this book is a must-read for civil engineers, bridge enthusiasts, and industrial historians.