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The High Girders

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The High Girders

By: John Prebble
Narrated by: David Monteath
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About this listen

On December 28th, 1879, the night of the Great Storm, the Tay Bridge collapsed, along with the train that was crossing and everyone on board....

This is the true story of that disastrous night, told from multiple viewpoints:

The station master waiting for the train to arrive - who sees the approaching lights simply vanish.

The bored young boys watching from their bedroom window who witness the disaster.

The dreamer who designed the bridge which eventually destroyed him.

The old highlanders who professed the bridge doomed from the outset.

The young woman on the ill-fated train, carrying a love letter from the man she hoped to marry....

The High Girders is a vivid, dramatic reconstruction of the ill-omened man-made catastrophe of the Tay Bridge disaster - and its grim aftermath.

©1979 John Prebble (P)2020 Orion Publishing Group Disaster Relief Europe Great Britain Modern Social Sciences Transportation England

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All stars
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This is a excellent explanation of the Tay Bridge Disaster. Not sentimental or too technical and it allows the listener to get a real insight into Victorian Britain and how such a disaster could happen. A great listen.

Excellent

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My dad read the opening passage to me more than 2 decades ago while catching the night train back home after some childhood weekend venture. I never knew the title of the book or the identity of the bridge in question, until I recently stumbled across an article about the Tay Bridge disaster, and the memories came flooding back. This audio book is a stunningly recorded piece that follows the intricacies of one of British industry's oldest and greatest tragedies. From start to finish, Prebble picks through every details of the event with a fine toothed comb, and presents them with skill and respect. I loved this book from start to finish and would recommend it any railway enthusiasts out there.

An almost forgotten memory from my childhood

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John Prebble was a first class popular historian and this is a brilliant telling of thd tale and aftermath of the Tay Bridge Disaster, pulling on first hand sources and contemporary commentary, including the Immortal (in his own mind) bard, William McGonnegall, Prebble brings Victorian Scotland to life.

more Prebble please Audible

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An in-depth report of the Tay Bridge disaster, covering the planning,building, disaster, and aftermath of that terrible night.
The story , compiled from eye witness and court reports and newspaper stories, is delivered and kept interesting by an excellent narration.

Gripping

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