Description
In today's fast-paced world of computer controlled equipment and space age technology, it is refreshing to read a book about the time when electricity was a novelty and backyard mechanics changed the world. Lee Gray, Acting Chairman of the Department of Architecture, University of North Carolina, traces the history of the passenger elevator in the U.S. from circa 1850 to 1900. The extensive research that went into this publicaton takes us from the technological origins of the freight hoists in England and the U.S. to the elevators and skyscrapers of 1880 - 1900. Gray does a thorough and comprehensive analysis of the factors and circumstances that allowd the skyscraper and modern city to become a reality. His skillful use of material gleaned from period newspaper articles, elevator patent applications and company catalogs provides the backbone of this substantial work. The inventor, the innovations, the companies, the buildings... they all played a part and Gray has chronicled events extensively. There is no questions that anyone involved in the building industry will find A History of the Passenger Elevator in the 19th Century, fascinating and informative, with over 175 illustrations an added bonus.
Hardback, 336 pages