Eiffel’s Tower: A Historical Story – Book Review
Wow, what a feast of superb historical storytelling book Eiffel’s Tower: A Historical Story by author Jill Jonnes is. The book is described as The Thrilling Story Behind Paris’ Beloved Monument and the Extraordinary World’s Fair That Introduced It.
Follow the incredible story of Gustave Eiffel and his struggles to design, seek approval and then build the now iconic symbol of Paris – the amazing Eiffel Tower. I promise you will never ever see Paris and France in the same light again. after reading this book.
Gustave Eiffel – The Engineer
Gustave Eiffel’s sheer determination and his engineering skills are truly inspiring. The mid to late 1800s was a time of momentous discovery and change, synonymous with the characters of Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill, Thomas Edison, JP Morgan, the Vanderbilts, Andrew Carnegie and Vincent van Gogh. All these men and women changed the world as they knew it at the time.
The herald of the Machine Age and the promise of the Belle Epoque period are exquisitely explored in meticulous and insightful detail by historian and author Jill Jonnes.
Eiffel Tower and the Paris Exposition Universelle 1889
The tower was completed as part of the Paris Exposition Universelle 1889 and has stood the test of time despite facing possible demolition by the government in 1898 and 1909.
Eiffel first saved his tower by proving that it was an invaluable structure for studying meteorology which was part of his original plan. This included stations that monitored temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, hail and rain. He published weather atlases which were to become the first synoptic charts in France and the foundation of modern meteorology in France.
Eiffel had also installed transmitters on his tower and the strategic potential was eventually realised by the French military and telegraphy units were then put atop the tower. This man’s amazing foresight to have this technology installed, at his own cost, saved his tower on both occasions.
The Eiffel Tower is a testament to Gustave Eiffel’s sheer determination, foresight and outstanding engineering ability. The legacy of the “mere engineer and builder of railway bridges” is his majestic Tower admired by the world.
Who Should Read Eiffel’s Tower: A Historical Story
This book is a must read for anyone interested in France, French modern history, engineering, the Impressionists or who enjoys an inspirational read. I bet you will love this book so much you will only want to loan it to your most trusted friends.
Other Articles on the Eiffel Tower and Paris
- 10 Amazing Facts about the Tower – Do you know these interesting facts about the Tower?
- Happy Birthday Madame Eiffel Tower – Find out the birth date of the Eiffel Tower and how her birthday is celebrated.
- Paris in Springtime – What to See and Do – Top things to do in Paris during springtime
