First Skyscrapers

The book begins by setting the stage with the conditions that necessitated vertical expansion. It then delves into the innovations in construction and elevator technology. Figures like William Le Baron Jenney and Louis Sullivan are examined, highlighting their architectural philosophies and the challenges they overcame in cities like Chicago and New York.

By drawing from architectural plans, engineering reports, and historical accounts, First Skyscrapers offers a comprehensive understanding of how these buildings were conceived and constructed. It reveals how these early skyscrapers left a lasting imprint on urban planning, social dynamics, and our overall perception of city living, making it an invaluable resource for understanding modern urban development.