there was a yellowed Post-it note stuck at Chapter 13, The Ups and Downs of Bridges [!]
(I don't recall putting it there with the thought ... 'in 2007, this chapter will be Important.' But it would make a better case for synchronicity, eh?) PBS has since visually expanded on his tales of Roebling. I think I saw Galloping Gertie (Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse) first in a mech. drawing class at Institute; recall forever that abandoned Model A (?), giving scale to the matter.

Think I found out about Petroski sometime after discovering Bob Pease, the EE who can Write; 'Chief Scientist' at National Semiconductor - who did columns in McGraw-Hill Electronics until its buy-out and rendering into oblivion. He hit all sorts of topics including Himalayan treks and keeping his elderly VW bug still thrashing about. (Loves to duel with the fuzzy-logic folk and, usually -- win.)

Pity so few Murican kids will have their transistorized 24/7 time-fillers pried from hands long enough to even hear about either of these two. (I still miss Heathkit - another catalyst for infusing a bit of Wondering into the lethargic callow teen.)


Shall have to check out his later opera - thanks for tip.

Ashton



PS:
Had forgotten Petroski's masterful allusion to the poet, Hart Crane (p.171) -- the fav poet of an SO -- Crane's evolution of his poetry is related to the none too clear 'rules' for the extension of bridge design, as Petroski perfectly describes Why - you cannot "conservatively" freeze success, just keep making copies. The book is a gem; his syntax should be demonstrated in every writing class, especially for technical people.