The Structure of Skyscrapers in America

The Structure of Skyscrapers in America, 1871–1900: Their History and Preservation
By Donald Friedman

In this long-awaited book, award-winning author Donald Friedman presents an illustrated history of the development of the structure of skyscrapers during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. In the first 190 pages, he details the context for the emergence of this new building type and thoroughly explains the cutting-edge technology of construction. Preservation problems are examined in depth.

A separate 200-page section provides construction dates and images for every known building taller than nine stories erected in the United States between 1871 and 1900—a total of 443 individual buildings, both extant and demolished, in 36 cities all across the country, from Boston and New York to San Francisco.

This definitive book is essential reading—and an unrivaled reference—for anyone who is interested in early skyscrapers and in identifying the more than 300 engineers, architects, and contractors who designed and built them.

Donald Friedman, The Structure of Skyscrapers in America, 1871–1900: Their History and Preservation. Soft cover, 450 pages, 539 illustrations. ISBN 978-0-9986347-1-5. October 2020 publication date. 

Donald Friedman, co-founder of Old Structures Engineering, has 30 years of experience as a structural engineer, working on both the construction of new buildings and the renovation of existing structures. He has taught at the Pratt Institute, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of Architecture, and the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. He has written numerous articles for technical publications and five books on construction, renovation, and engineering.

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