Life and Labours of Thomas Brassey
1805–1870

The 1888 seventh edition of the biography of the civil engineering contractor at the forefront of nineteenth-century railway construction.

Arthur Helps (Author)

9781108067812, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 January 2014

228 pages, 1 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.3 cm, 0.3 kg

An important figure in British business history, the civil engineering contractor Thomas Brassey (1805–70) stood at the forefront of railway construction across the globe in the nineteenth century. He was also instrumental in the development of the Victoria Dock and part of London's sewer system. Originally published in 1872 and reissued here in its 1888 seventh edition, this first biography of Brassey was written by his personal friend, the public servant and author Sir Arthur Helps (1813–75). It describes Brassey's many remarkable achievements as a prolific contractor working in Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. A brilliant businessman, representing the best of British skill, leadership and organisation, Brassey employed tens of thousands of men around the world at the peak of his career. Having collaborated with prominent engineers such as Joseph Locke and Robert Stephenson, he secured for himself a long-lasting reputation for integrity and dedication.

Introductory chapter
1. Mr Brassey as a businessman
2. Mr Brassey's early career
3. Contract work
4. Commencement of foreign work
5. Labourers of different nations
6. Mr Brassey's skill in calculations
7. Work becomes more extensive
8. Great Northern Railway
9. Financial management
10. Financial difficulties
11. Mr Brassey's wealth
12. Railway and other contracts
13. Italian railways
14. Grand Trunk Railway of Canada
15. Victoria Bridge
16. Crimean and other railways
17. Works in Australia
18. Argentine railway
19. Moldavian railways
20. Indian railways
21. Recollections of his son
22. Close of life
23. Railways and government control
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: History of engineering & technology [TBX]