The Bridge

'. . . in world terms, that great arch defined Sydney and for the most part, Australia . . .' - Hon. Paul Keating, former Prime Minister of Australia When it was finally opened in March 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge had taken almost nine years to complete at a cost of sixteen lives and more than six million pounds. This is the epic story of the most recognisable symbol of Australia, and the people, political wranglings and incredible feats of engineering behind its creation. The Bridge brings to life the stories of those who built it, dreamt it and were drawn to it: Lennie Gwyther, the nine-year-old boy who made a 900-mile solo journey on horseback to witness the opening; Dr J.J.C. Bradfield who eventually realised his dream of connecting Sydney's two shores; Vince Kelly, the larger-than-life boilermaker who fell from the arch and survived; and many other fascinating characters. From the bizarre attempt to sabotage the bridge's opening ceremony to its role in the Sydney Olympics, this is a lively history of one of the world's most famous structures. 'Lalor has written a most intimately affectionate version of an epic story' Canberra Times