A lavishly illustrated practical guide for understanding bridges, with case studies of the world's most famous bridges.

How to Read Bridges is a practical introduction to looking at the structure and purpose of bridges and a guide to reading the structural clues embedded in every bridge which allows you to appreciate their variety and ingenuity.

Small enough to carry in your pocket and serious enough to provide real answers, this comprehensive guide analyses and explores all types of bridges from around the world from the first millennium to the present day and features the Brooklyn Bridge, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Ponte Vecchio, Millau Viaduct and Pont des Arts. The book also explores fundamental concepts of bridge design, key materials and engineering techniques whilst providing an accessible visual guide with intelligent text, using detailed illustrations and cross-sections of technical features.

Ian Stewart is a Chartered Engineer working at Davies Maguire + Whitby, a structural engineering design practice in London. His key project experience includes BBC Broadcasting House and Tate Modern II in London and St David's 2 shopping centre in Cardiff. He is also involved with the industry-related charity CODEP, founded with the objective of delivering libraries and literary centres in Sierra Leone. He has a PhD in Structural Dynamics from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

Edward Denison is an independent consultant, writer and architectural photographer. His work focuses on sustainability and the built environment, and ranges from consulting for international agencies on heritage and development to researching, writing and photographing books on design and architecture. He has a PhD in Architectural History from University College London.