The Life of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Civil Engineer

This study of the pioneering Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel was published in 1870 by his son.

Isambard Brunel (Author)

9781108026307, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 February 2011

614 pages, 28 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 3.5 cm, 0.77 kg

Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806–1859) was one of the outstanding civil engineers of the nineteenth century. He began his professional life while still in his teens, as his father's chief assistant engineer on the Thames Tunnel, and remains famous for projects including the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Eastern. This study by his elder son, who was assisted in technical details by his engineer brother and by colleagues of their father, was published in 1870. The opening and closing chapters discuss Brunel's childhood and his private life, but the main body of the book presents Brunel's work thematically, with sections on bridges, railways, steamships, and dock and pier works. In all these areas Brunel was an innovator, pioneering the use of new materials and revolutionising early Victorian transport networks. The book also includes reports to the directors of the Great Western Railway and Great Western Steamship Company.

Preface
1. Early life, 1806–1828
2. The Clifton Suspension Bridge, 1829–1853
3. Early history of the Great Western Railway, 1833–1835
4. Railway works, 1835–1859
5. The broad gauge
6. The atmospheric system, 1840–1848
7. Railway bridges and viaducts
8. Steam navigation. The 'Great Western' steam-ship, 1835–1847
9. Steam navigation. The 'Great Britain' steam-ship, 1838–1847
10. Steam navigation. Introduction of the screw propeller into the Royal Navy, 1841–1844
11. Steam navigation. The 'Great Eastern' steam-ship, from the commencement of the undertaking to the launch, 1851–1857
12. Steam navigation. The 'Great Eastern steam-ship. The launch, 1856, 1858
13. Steam navigation. The 'Great Eastern' steam-ship. Completion and subsequent history
14. Dock and pier works, 1831–1859
15. Miscellaneous works
16. Mr. Brunel's professional opinions and practice
17. Private life
Appendixes
Index.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]