- Hardcover: 112 pages
- Publisher: David R. Godine (Nov 15 2007)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 087923671X
- ISBN-13: 978-0879236717
- Product Dimensions: 33.7 x 28.4 x 1.5 cm
- Shipping Weight: 1.1 Kg
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,972,232 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up A colossal (13 11) book in more ways than one, Superpower depicts the construction of the new ``Berkshire'' steam locomotive through the eyes and experiences of 18-year-old Ben, who begins work with his father at the Locomotive works (the Loco) in mid-1920s Lima, Ohio. In addition to explaining the construction of the new, immense locomotive, Weitzman also conveys the era's sense of community, tradition, and pride in craftsmanship. In the fictional account of his first months at the Loco, Ben learns about the design of locomotives, and during his time as a ``helper'' visits several different parts of the Loco, observing and assisting in the work of the foundry, the forge, the machine shop, and the boiler shop. Ben learns how and why different parts are manufactured by the different processes, until, near the end, he helps in the assembly of the locomotive (in seven days) and sees it come to life for its first trip. Weitzman's work is reminiscent of that of David Macaulay in its methodical exposition of each step of the Berkshire's construction and its excellent, intricately detailed, although not as plentiful, illustrations. It is unfortunate that this excellent work is marred by Weitzman's depiction of the speech of the ethnic laborers. Although an attempt to convey the spirit of the numerous immigrant workers, this distorted English may be construed as stereotyping, while the spelling and sentence structures used to portray these accents will deter less-skilled readers. A lot of research and love for the subject went into Superpower; it is a shame that it is tarnished by this easily avoided flaw. Jeffrey A. French, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
The ultimate boy's book! The story of the building of the "Berkshire, " the greatest steam locomotive to ride the "high iron." Black-and-white illustrations.
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Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Fascinating Look at a Magnificent Machine,
By Henry M. Dobb (Coconut Creek, FL United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Superpower (Hardcover)
David Weitzman has a love of technology and history. This can be demonstrated by observing the names of books he authored, including titles ranging from "Traces of the Past: A Field Guide to Industrial Archaeology" to "Underfoot: An Everyday Guide to Exploring the American Past." This fortuitous blend of history and technology is the underlying theme of this book.For those of you who may be expecting a typical 'picture book' about a steam locomotive, this book will definitely come as a surprise. Although well illustrated, there are no photographs. This omission is more than compensated for by the line drawings that are precise and informative. The text is educational and interesting; the text and the line drawings compement each other very nicely. The combination is such that the reader is virtually transported by osmosis back to the year 1925 and to the dark and dingy backshops of the Lima Locomotive Works of Lima, Ohio, in order to not only personally witness but to actually physically participate in the birth of this magnificent machine, the first 'Super Power' steam locomotive ever. Another pleasant surprise in this work is the interaction of man and machine, the creator and the fruit of his labor. Too many books about the locomotive ignore the human role; here the combination of man and machine is a symbiotic relationship. This book is both easy to read and educational, and it is designed to appeal to anyone in age from beginning high-schooler to adult. Anyone possessing an interest in the mechanical world should obtain a copy of this book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A brilliant melding of prose and art: the Creators of Steam!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Superpower (Hardcover)
This book is brilliant in scope, content, and presentation. The horizontal layout and binding are magnificent. The line drawings are, in a word, exquisite. They serve not only to illustrate the arcane processes involved in creating a steam locomotive, but the personalities of the Creators themselves. The text and drawings tie in closely, and paint a picture from a boy's viewpoint of history in the making. It would be difficult to overstate the impact of this book. It redefines the concept of classic. If you love the iron road, if you love steam and steel, then you must have this book. Through the eyes of a boy you will feel the awe and wonder of the creation of one of mankind's greatest constructions: the Superpower Locomotive
5.0 out of 5 stars
Marvelous !!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Superpower (Hardcover)
I'm rekindling my fascination with steam locomotives again. I had read this book about 10 years ago and came across it again on my bookshelf. I'm re-reading it with the same joy/fascination I did the 1st time ! (and I'm no kid at 42 years old - would be nice to have a son to share it with!!) I'm glad I haven't lost that child-like wonder at these huge machines of yesteryear. I feel like I'm the young apprentice in the book, ravenously learning the complexicities of designing and building one of the magnificent monsters ! Can't recommend it highly enough for steam loco-fans of all ages !!
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