Men of Steel: The Story of the Family That Built the World Trade Center

This is such an interesting and truly American story that it is both inspiring and edifying. Moreover, it is well written, easily read, and thoroughly enjoyable.It is truly American because it is the story of an immigrant and his family and their struggle from nothing to prosperity and happiness. As with all such stories it is the personification of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" - the American dream. In the telling and countless re-telling of the same plot with so many different characters and circumstances, we Americans find both inspiration and validation.It is a story of family and family love and family loyalty. Yet it does not hide the ageless jealousy and hate of one brother for another and the many small and large betrayals. It is exceptional in that it accurately relates the all-consuming impact of the small (and not so small) family business on the family members themselves.It is a story of the small business that manages to capture a good deal of the challenge of such an enterprise while also presenting the exhilarating peaks followed by the looming chasms with real clarity.Finally, it is the story of the individual who finds that the circumstances of life are sometimes easy and sometimes very hard and often somewhere in between.What does one do when one's dreams and hopes and ambitions are crushed by forces beyond imagination? Perhaps it is the answer to that question that ties this story to the events of September 11, 2001 more than the obvious relationship of the Koch family to the construction of the Twin Towers.

A fascinating look behind the scenes in the life of ironworkers (the men who erect steel bridges & buildings (steelworkers are those who work in steel mills).The Koch family had a major hand in building many government buildings in D.C. -- and many bridges and buildings in New York. Even though they were a small family firm by New York standards, they won the steel erecting contract for the World Trade Center buildings and overcame tons of obstacles -- not least, the search from cranes far faster and stronger than had ever been built -- to build them.Also a fascinating look at rivalries within the family that finally tore it apart.

Interesting to read the history of the Twin Towers as told by the family that actually built it.

Very good story, I've been rigging all my life ,from steel erection to tower cranes, 53 now and driving cranes. Well written , keeped me in suspense till the end. Thanks Carl, I wish you had have stayed with your uncle bob, but that's business.

Book arrived quickly in like-new condition!

I worked for them while I was in college.This will be a nice keepsake for my children.

The BEST book about a construction project I have ever read I loaned it to many colleagues and they agree

If you are interested in construction, and, in particular, steel erection, this book provides an fascinating look at the subcontractor level. Very intersting stories about the construction of the World Trade Center. However, the writing style isn't great and the book should have had a lot more editing.