The Life of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Civil Engineer

One of the greatest civil engineers of all time, Isambard Kingdom Brunel is renowned 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, now part of the London Underground, which almost cost him his life. However, it was his work on the Great Western Railway and the development of screw-propulsion, culminating in the building of the Great Britain, the world's first propeller-driven ship, that have become his lasting contributions to modern engineering. The construction of steamships was his great passion, and he crowned his career with the largest steamship ever built, the Great Eastern. Tragically, it was the stresses attendant upon the building of this ship which led to his declining health and ultimately, his death shortly before her maiden voyage. Brunel's legacy continues to impact upon the modern world, from the East London Tube Line to the majestic span of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Offering an account of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's life, this book records his most famous achievements and illustrates a man who was utterly dedicated to his calling and whose legacy continues to have an impact in the world.