Building the Golden Gate Bridge: A Workers' Oral History

Good book

This is a wonderful little book based on authentic interviews with workers who built the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco labour historian Harvey Schwartz did the interviews and collected the oral stories nearly twenty years ago and have now had the opportunity to edit, compile, and publish the stories for us to read. It’s a fascinating story and testimony to the time and the workers who built the bridge. In contrast to official histories and stock material that tend to be repeated in mainstream books on the bridge, the workers’ oral stories gives another vivid dimension and insights to the construction history. Also the historic pictures in the book have been carefully selected and rarely seen before. The hearty and sometimes colourful language is amusing and easy to identify with. There is a sense of purpose, serenity, and thoughtfulness in the oral stories – which inspires even more awe and respect for the workers who built this bridge for generations to marvel. The Golden Gate Bridge will never cease to fascinate. Schwartz’s compilation contributes a new essential piece of information to the history of the bridge.

The book provided an interesting perspective on the Gate and the people who built it.

Great, the building crew's own stories.

Loved this story!