Chief Engineer
Book •
Erica Wagner's Chief Engineer is a detailed nonfiction biography that examines the life and work of Washington Roebling, the engineer central to the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Drawing on archival research, Roebling's own writings, and historical sources, the book traces his family background, Civil War service, and the technical and human challenges of building the bridge.
Wagner situates Roebling's experiences within the larger context of 19th-century engineering innovation, exploring topics like caisson technology and compressed-air work.
The biography provides factual grounding for the later novel Wash, offering readers an authoritative account of events, personalities, and the period's engineering practices.
It highlights both Roebling's accomplishments and the personal costs of overseeing such a monumental project.
Drawing on archival research, Roebling's own writings, and historical sources, the book traces his family background, Civil War service, and the technical and human challenges of building the bridge.
Wagner situates Roebling's experiences within the larger context of 19th-century engineering innovation, exploring topics like caisson technology and compressed-air work.
The biography provides factual grounding for the later novel Wash, offering readers an authoritative account of events, personalities, and the period's engineering practices.
It highlights both Roebling's accomplishments and the personal costs of overseeing such a monumental project.
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Erica Wagner
Episode 62: Erica Wagner, Novelist and Literary Editor
