Andrew Saint's book takes a curious route through six primary chapter headings that do not, at first sight, look like a logical progression: the history of military engineering in France, Britain and America, iron, concrete, bridge design, reconciliation (the 20th century partnership of engineers and architects) and finally the education of architects and engineers. The narrative follows this strange course in a compelling way, weaving different threads skilfully into the story and drawing them together at the conclusion. It all makes perfect sense when you read it. A couple of chapters into the book you have a sense that this book's title undersells itself by limiting its scope to 'sibling rivalry'.
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