Empire State Building

October 6, 2003
Young history and architecture buffs may appreciate the detailed information presented in Empire State Building: When New York Reached for the Skies by Elizabeth Mann, illus. by Alan Witschonke, the latest in the Wonders of the World series. Mann delineates the origins of the building, beginning with the business partnership between Al Smith and John Raskob. Well- labeled illustrations offer further explanations of the numerous columns, piers and other structural elements that combine to create this majestic skyscraper.

Starred review from April 1, 2004
Gr 4-8-Mann's exploration of this New York City icon will capture the imaginations of report writers and general readers alike. The book begins with a discussion of the ambitious plan of two New Yorkers to build the tallest skyscraper and the architectural advances that made this 86-floor building possible. The author covers the competition that resulted from the simultaneous construction of the Chrysler Building, the real story behind the dirigible mast, and the speed of the construction. Labeled, full-page color illustrations help explain concepts. A captioned gatefold details design elements and gives a sense of the incredible height of the building. Numerous black-and-white pictures throughout the volume, and in a month-by-month sequence of photos, depict the construction process. The book concludes with photographs of significant events since the skyscraper's construction, a page of fast facts, a brief glossary, and a map of New York City locating the building. An ideal resource for classes working on architectural projects and a top choice for general reading.-Delia Fritz, Mercersburg Academy, PA

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2004
Gr. 3-8. This addition to the Wonders of the World Books series introduces the history of the famous skyscraper, which was begun in 1929 at the start of the Great Depression. Mann explains how the new construction techniques and use of steel instead of cast iron made very tall buildings both possible and practical, and introduces two men, Al Smith and John Raskob, whose talent and determination led to the success of the building venture. Mann writes clearly and concisely, never sacrificing the drama of the story. Smith and Raskob's endeavors to ensure that their structure surpassed the Chrysler Building and a description of an ill-fated attempt to land dirigibles on the 102d floor deck add elements of human interest. Period photos and Witschonke's full-color artwork add much to the text. Particularly impressive are the labeled paintings showing stages of the construction and the four-page foldout of the completed building. A selection of fast facts, a glossary, and a bibliography are appended. An appealing book for browsers and report writers alike.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)