The History of Cranes: The Classic Construction Series

East Sussex [U.K.]: KHL International Ltd, 1997. Very Good condition in a Very Good dust jacket. Small nick to the fore-edge. Presentation bookplate. Pages are crisp, clean and unmarked. English language edition, translated from the German by Brigitte Jenner and Suzanne Walters. Profusely illustrated with drawings, diagrams and photographs, -- some in full color. Oversize Hardcover. 10" wide by 12.75" tall. This large book will require SUBSTANTIAL extra postage for International shipments, but only the standard charge for priority or media mail. Bound in the original white boards, stamped in black. From the dust jacket: "Who built the first crane? Was it an Egyptian unknown engineer working for Pharaoh Rameses in 3000BC? Or was it Heronius of Alexandria a century before the birth of Christ? This is just one of the questions that the world's first ever history of the crane industry looks to answer. The destre to lift heavy objects was something that came quickly to mankind. Whether it was somewhere to live, to worship, to be buried or for public fanctions, lifting was needed. From the very earliest times, lifting devices were in use. From these simple tools developed systems that were initially powered by men or animals, but gradually became more and more sophisticated and lavish. The route to today's modern cranes was long, and fascinating! Following the success of the first book in the Classic Construction Series, 500 YEARS OF EARTHMOVING, this second book takes our theme forward. From ancient times to the 1980s, from simple lifting methods to modern tower cranes, the authors take us on a journey through time from the perspective of the crane industry. Throughout the book a glorious collection of 400 photographs and drawings from museums, company archives and individual collections around the world bring the subject to life and put it in sharp historical perspective. Simple explanations of complex technical developments are an integral part of the historical text. Milestones in the history of the crane industry are clearly and precisely identified and make this book a must for anybody interested in, or working with, cranes." From the publisher: "This book chronicles the history of the powerful and impressive crane and lifting industry. The authors follow the industry's trials, innovations, and trends in words and pictures through the centuries.". English language edition. Oversize Hardcover. Very Good condition/Very Good dust jacket. Illus. by NOT a library discard. 264pp. Great Packaging, Fast Shipping.