Mighty Mac: The Official Picture History of the Mackinac Bridge

I purchased this book for my husband after we walked across the bridge on Labor Day. He says it is the best book I ever got for him. There is so much history leading up to the completion of this bridge. The black and white photos are perfect for showing how things were back then. We visited the bridge since then and the book went with us. The information in Mighty Mac encouraged us to take a closer look at the bridge from both the north and south sides. After all the times we visited and crossed the Mackinac Bridge, this book guided us to a bridge information center on the north side! We now look at the bridge as an architectural achievement, as opposed to a simple gateway to the Upper Peninsula.

Although the gloating introduction which boasts of the new bridge's indestructibility definitely rings false in the wake of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge, for anyone interested in bridge construction, this book is an absolute treasure trove. It's the only book I'm aware of that depicts the building of a modern-day suspension bridge, from the digging of foundations, assembling the lengthy approach spans, to the erection of the steel towers, the unfurling of catwalks, spinning of wires, and finally erecting the superstructure, paving the bridge deck, and even the construction of the administration buildings and toll booths. There's a little over 200 photographs in all, each accompanied by fairly in-depth captions.Although the lack of color photographs is somewhat disappointing but not surprising considering the 1958 publication date, this book is definitely worth checking out if you're fascinated by large-scale engineering projects. Although Jeffrey Richman's book on the Brooklyn Bridge is more dazzling on a visual level, this one is commendable in depicting each stage of the construction process in equal levels of detail.

I bought this book for my Dad and he really enjoyed the book.

The book certainly covers the bridge from concept to creation, with a play-by-play and photos of every step. However, with the exception of the cover, every photo is black and white. For a book celebrating a landmark bridge known for its beauty, you’d think its beauty would be emphasized in true colors.

Great book! It looks like it should cost more than it does. It’s hardcover and very interesting. Definitely recommend!

I've been fascinated with the Mackinac Bridge ever since I first saw it when I was a kid. I've been across it twice since then, and it's never failed to impress me as one magnificent structure.

Bought this for a student interested in the history of the Mackinac Bridge. I'm sure she will be thrilled!