On December 31, 1999, after nearly a century of rule, the United States officially ceded ownership of the Panama Canal to the nation of Panama. That nation did not exist when, in the mid-19th century, Europeans first began to explore the possibilities of creating a link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the narrow but mountainous isthmus; Panama was then a re On December 31, 1999, after nearly a century of rule, the United States officially ceded ownership of the Panama Canal to the nation of Panama. That nation did not exist when, in the mid-19th century, Europeans first began to explore the possibilities of creating a link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the narrow but mountainous isthmus; Panama was then a remote and overlooked part of Colombia. All that changed, writes David McCullough in his magisterial history of the Canal, in 1848, when prospectors struck gold in California. A wave of fortune seekers descended on Panama from Europe and the eastern United States, seeking quick passage on California-bound ships in the Pacific, and the Panama Railroad, built to serve that traffic, was soon the highest-priced stock listed on the New York Exchange.

To build a 51-mile-long ship canal to replace that railroad seemed an easy matter to some investors. But, as McCullough notes, the construction project came to involve the efforts of thousands of workers from many nations over four decades; eventually those workers, laboring in oppressive heat in a vast malarial swamp, removed enough soil and rock to build a pyramid a mile high. In the early years, they toiled under the direction of French entrepreneur Ferdinand de Lesseps, who went bankrupt while pursuing his dream of extending France's empire in the Americas. The United States then entered the picture, with President Theodore Roosevelt orchestrating the purchase of the canal—but not before helping foment a revolution that removed Panama from Colombian rule and placed it squarely in the American camp. My uncle recommended it. I had barely started it when we left on a cruise of the Panama Canal, sailing from LA. This book is a detailed, non-fiction account of France's selection of the canal site in Central America, the politics, diseases, intrigues, and construction of locks and 'Big Dig'.

I forgot all about the cruise ship activities and buried myself in this book. It awoke the 'inner engineer' in me that I didn't know I had. I read it desperately night and day, hoping to finish before reachi My uncle recommended it. I had barely started it when we left on a cruise of the Panama Canal, sailing from LA. This book is a detailed, non-fiction account of France's selection of the canal site in Central America, the politics, diseases, intrigues, and construction of locks and 'Big Dig'. I forgot all about the cruise ship activities and buried myself in this book.

The Path Between the Seas research papers examine the book by David McCullough that goes into the creation of the Panama Canal.

It awoke the 'inner engineer' in me that I didn't know I had. I read it desperately night and day, hoping to finish before reaching the canal.

Cruise ship stage shows? Cocktails with the captain? I did manage to finish the book before reaching Panama. Then I found that the travel across the Isthmus was as intense as the book itself. I couldn't bear to see particular shores of the canal floating by, anonymous and silent.

Other parts were as thrilling as a fairy tale for the young. Upon reaching the Atlantic, I found myself in tears. That tells you how this book can change your outlook.even towards a body of water! A year later, the wonder is still with me. Something very strange happens about 30% through 'Path Between the Seas.' For the first 1/3 of the book, the reader must trudge through pedantic descriptions of very trivial matters and a hodgepodge of boring discussions on all things nautical.

Then, all of a sudden McCullough does something amazing: he reminds you that people- everyday ordinary people -really cared about the Panama Canal, what it could do and what it would mean. And when it nearly failed, even though we are talking about people Something very strange happens about 30% through 'Path Between the Seas.' For the first 1/3 of the book, the reader must trudge through pedantic descriptions of very trivial matters and a hodgepodge of boring discussions on all things nautical. Then, all of a sudden McCullough does something amazing: he reminds you that people- everyday ordinary people -really cared about the Panama Canal, what it could do and what it would mean. And when it nearly failed, even though we are talking about people who have been dead upwards of 70 years, you feel bad for them.

Its that empathy that is a true gift in this book. APBtS is the story of three nations: a nation on the decline (France) a nation on the rise (the United States, and the land (Columbia/Panama) they had in common where there paths intersected so geometrically.

The story begins in the 1860s as France celebrates the completion of the Suez canal. It then is destroyed- almost literally -in a war with Germany. After its crushing, psyche-changing defeat, France decides to continue the war not on the field of battle (where it would have been destroyed again) but in the great works of the world- the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Suez Canal and finally the Panama Canal. The French engage in a long struggle to bridge the gap between the oceans, and this stirs up a great sense of national pride that the lost war rendered silent before.

Suddenly, men and women invest heavily in major corporations to get the canal built, for progress, and for France! But as the book illustrates, France is not what it once was; they misjudge almost everything about the project- the time, the cost, the distance, even the route and how the canal will look. In time, France is entangled in one of the most celebrated failures in history.

But as the book points out, this is unfair. Yes, the French only built about 1/3 of the canal, but when the Americans did take over in 1903, the materials, buildings and work they had left was extremely well done. In fact, the author almost goes so far as to saty that had the French not done such a good job on the first 1/3, its possible the canal would never have been built. Its here that the books truest strength lies: when describing how all the average investors in France took the news of the loss- there was basically crying in the streets and the market tanked because of France's despondency over its failure.

It really was like Sedan all over again. You feel for these people- the struggled mightily and almost did the impossible. Yet at the same time, it clearly illustrated the illusory strength and resolve of France at this time. France was a nation on the decline and its inability to rationalize the Panama Canal, execute the plans, and face its challenges were all signs of a faltering people. Enter the United States. Fresh off its one-sided thumping of Spain in the Spanish American War, the US was as energetic and bombastic as its 'bully' President, Theodore Roosevelt.

A nation on the rise, the US has men, supplies and an economy ready to tackle any problem, including building a canal for its own purposes. The US not only decides to take over the canal project, but almost as an after-thought, helps stir up a rebellion in Columbia so that the nation known as Panama rebels and forms its own government. Thus, the US has a friendly ally to welcome their intervention and build the canal. The book does a solid job describing the people, both the named principals and the relatively faceless masses of men who dug the canal. The book describes how the diseases of Yellow Fever and Malaria were tamed in Panama, and how these diseases were so feared. The book culminates with the US sitting astride the two Oceans and doing a job many said could not be done. The first boat crossed the full length of the canal on August 3, 1914.

On that same day, the United States was informed that Germany had declared War on France, thus starting World War I, and the ultimate 'beginning of the end' for the old European powers. The book has enormous slow points, including the monotonous descriptions of some mechanical processes that will bore i even the most ardent minutia fan. The book also spends too much time describing some of the more mundane travels and tribulations of some of the major players, which is not time well spent.

Still, PBtS makes you care about all these people and the true engineering marvel they created, how vast the area was, how immovable the obstacles were, and how great their accomplishment was. My whole life is a lie! My favorite palindrome is BOGUS. I mean, sure, it's still a palindrome, but it's just not true!

A MAN, A PLAN, A CANAL, PANAMA! A M A N A P L A N A C A N A L P A N A M A There wasn't 'a' man, there wasn't even 'a' plan. There were like, a dozen men, all with various plans! It was almost built in Nicaragua! The one guy with a decent plan from the beginning was ignored and his plan sat unnoticed in a file somewhere, while the rest of them ran around, killing thousands of worke My whole life is a lie! My favorite palindrome is BOGUS.

I mean, sure, it's still a palindrome, but it's just not true! A MAN, A PLAN, A CANAL, PANAMA! A M A N A P L A N A C A N A L P A N A M A There wasn't 'a' man, there wasn't even 'a' plan. There were like, a dozen men, all with various plans! It was almost built in Nicaragua!

The one guy with a decent plan from the beginning was ignored and his plan sat unnoticed in a file somewhere, while the rest of them ran around, killing thousands of workers and then shrugging and going back to the drawing board when that didn't work. The French started it, failed terribly, lost thousands of men (and women) to malaria and yellow fever, and then went bankrupt. Teddy Roosevelt, in classic Teddy Roosevelt style, went after it but couldn't decide (and frankly didn't care) where to build or how, he just wanted a canal built, and some of the glory (if not all).

The whole situation was, frankly, a clustercuss and it's amazing it got built at all. It's quite fascinating reading, and I had no idea about any of it. But it's also rather dry reading, and in the middle section McCullough assumes you know all about Latin American politics of the time. I don't know about Latin American politics of TODAY, let alone 1905. There's an endless parade of names, and literally everyone is described as being broad-shouldered and with a mustache, and it was impossible for me to keep track of them. There is a revolution for Panamanian independence (which I did not know they didn't have) and I could not keep track of who was on which side. The US totally meddled (of course) and I wasn't sure if they were on one side, or both, and which side would be better.

It was, to be blunt, a hard slog, reading wise. The last 200 pages though, with actual canal building and descriptions of the living quarters and amenities at the work camps, were more my jam.

CONSUMMATELY BORING. (AND YET) “The United States had a mandate from civilization to build the canal, he [Theodore Roosevelt] told Congress on January 4, 1904”—page 387 Reading very much like an eighth-grade textbook— pedantically packed with a densely detailed, confusing, and virtually meaningless litany of facts, figures, names and dates—especially the first two-thirds of David McCullough’s behemoth, THE PATH BETWEEN THE SEAS: The Creation of the Panama Canal 1870-1914 presents a serious chal CONSUMMATELY BORING. (AND YET) “The United States had a mandate from civilization to build the canal, he [Theodore Roosevelt] told Congress on January 4, 1904”—page 387 Reading very much like an eighth-grade textbook— pedantically packed with a densely detailed, confusing, and virtually meaningless litany of facts, figures, names and dates—especially the first two-thirds of David McCullough’s behemoth, THE PATH BETWEEN THE SEAS: The Creation of the Panama Canal 1870-1914 presents a serious challenge to slogging on. It’s not until page 411, Book Three, The Builders 1904-1914, that the story begins to get really interesting; when, with rough-riding Teddy R. Leading the charge, the Americans sashay to the rescue. And then it becomes an engaging tale of the epic struggle of man, mind, might, and machine against nature, climate, topography and disease. We know who the eventual winners were.

Recommendation: (1) Forget everything I’ve written here; (2) remember that this is David McCullough we’re talking about; and (3) read some of the many five-star goodreads.com reviews on which to base your ‘to read’ or ‘not to read’ choice. “The creation of a water passage across Panama was one of the supreme human achievements of all time, the culmination of a heroic dream of four hundred years and of more than twenty years of phenomenal effort and sacrifice.”—page 619 NOOKbook edition, 731 pages (624 pages, before Acknowledgments and Notes). This is a tough book to rate. If you are a history nerd like myself then this book probably deserves the 4 stars that I have given it.

However, if you are a more normal person and reader then this book would probably get three, maybe even two stars, because it can easily be mind-numbingly boring. The reason for this difference of opinion is almost certainly the length and the depth of detail. The book is 617 pages of text and I have to admit that 150-200 pages could probably have been chopped to This is a tough book to rate. If you are a history nerd like myself then this book probably deserves the 4 stars that I have given it. However, if you are a more normal person and reader then this book would probably get three, maybe even two stars, because it can easily be mind-numbingly boring. The reason for this difference of opinion is almost certainly the length and the depth of detail.

The book is 617 pages of text and I have to admit that 150-200 pages could probably have been chopped to make the book more readable. That being said I can't imagine a more thoroughly researched and detailed account of everything that went into building the Panama Canal. The first half of the book is devoted to the French effort that started the Canal in 1880.

Because the French effort was publicly financed most of the detail concerns all the financial schemes needed to keep this project moving ahead. Then there was the resulting legal actions that followed the French failure. While this was important information to know as the basis for the subsequent American effort I do believe that it was vastly overdone and could have benefited from serious editing. Following the French disaster you get Roosevelt's involvement and the theft of Panama from Columbia and the politics and schemes involved with that enterprise. The American effort is the heart of the book and probably what most readers are interested it learning. The book is no less detailed but this detail is more about the actual digging of the canal and how the project was approached by the succession of chief engineers.

What you get from all of this is that the building of the Panama Canal was a lot more than a lot of digging in the jungle and it was. It was interesting to read about the successful endeavors of people in something other than a military or political event. Our history is more than bombs and bureaucrats, generals and diplomats. In the history of this canal you have innovative people from a variety of disciplines from medicine to engineering, from management to human resources and it was fascinating to read about their problems and the solutions they devised to solve them. But I will grant that much of the fascination a reader could have had from this book was diluted by the cumbersome length and depth of detail. I liked the book but it did stop the circulation in my leg more than once. You wouldn't think that a book detailing the creation of the Panama Canal would be an exciting and quick read.

Well, you'd be wrong! I love David McCullough, I think he is flat-out the best biographer out there as well as being one hell of a history author. 1776 is my favorite book about the American revolution. The Path Between the Seas had me so interested in geology, Central American politics, jungle wildlife, topography, stuff that I would never have thought I would be interested in. It's no You wouldn't think that a book detailing the creation of the Panama Canal would be an exciting and quick read.

Well, you'd be wrong! I love David McCullough, I think he is flat-out the best biographer out there as well as being one hell of a history author. 1776 is my favorite book about the American revolution. The Path Between the Seas had me so interested in geology, Central American politics, jungle wildlife, topography, stuff that I would never have thought I would be interested in. It's not simply a story of the Panama Canal, it is a story of everything that multiple countries and governments went through to bring this grand project to fruition. Amazingly well-written, but I expect no less from Mr. This book tells the complete story of the building of the Panama Canal, beginning with the French efforts from 1870 to about 1889, and then continuing with the U.S.

Completion from 1902 to 1914. I found the parts describing the actual building of the canal (by both the French and the U.S.) to be the most interesting parts of the book. I was much less interested in the political machinations dealing with the U.S. - Columbia negotiations and the U.S.

Assistance in the creation of the Republic of P This book tells the complete story of the building of the Panama Canal, beginning with the French efforts from 1870 to about 1889, and then continuing with the U.S. Completion from 1902 to 1914. I found the parts describing the actual building of the canal (by both the French and the U.S.) to be the most interesting parts of the book. I was much less interested in the political machinations dealing with the U.S. - Columbia negotiations and the U.S. Assistance in the creation of the Republic of Panama.

The devastation of men by Yellow Fever and Malaria, particularly during the entire French efforts, was absolutely incredible and heart-breaking as well. Failure to obliterate these diseases using treatments by Dr. Gorgus that were nearly guaranteed to work (and eventually did) was frustrating. For me the most interesting part of the book was the description of the construction methods used in the completion of the canal locks. A close second to this was McCullough's explanations of the role of General Electric in the electro-hydraulic system used to operate the locks and the movement of boats through the canal.

Reinforced concrete, a relatively new construction material and one for which no design codes existed, was used simply because it was the right material for the job. The lack of design standards and guidelines did not hamper the engineers designing the myriad of concrete structures needed for the locks. I wonder if this same thing (i.e., the widespread use of an unproven material) could happen today?

Also, by 1910, electric power was still a new technology. Nevertheless, the electrical engineers did not hesitate to design the system appropriately and successfully. I think engineers will enjoy this book more than non-engineers, but it is still a fascinating story for almost everyone. I wasn't sure whether to award 4 or 5 stars to this book until I realized that my withholding a star had more to do with me than the book. In his typically lucid prose, McCullough wrote a complete history of the building of the Canal. The research was impeccable; the book deserves all the accolades it received.

From the disastrous French attempt at building it to the American struggles and finally success, the reader is given the full story. The egos involved always meant that there would be con I wasn't sure whether to award 4 or 5 stars to this book until I realized that my withholding a star had more to do with me than the book. In his typically lucid prose, McCullough wrote a complete history of the building of the Canal. The research was impeccable; the book deserves all the accolades it received.

From the disastrous French attempt at building it to the American struggles and finally success, the reader is given the full story. The egos involved always meant that there would be conflict and the breadth of the project meant that the engineers designing it would need to be exceptional and what they did. Those in charge had to be able to manage large numbers of people, and with the exception of Wallace, they pretty much did. What I found a bit difficult to get through was all the information on the methods that were used but I realize that this is an important part of the story. McCullough also focused on the blacks who did most of the work, were paid the least and received almost no credit for what they did. As the media covered the story as it unfolded, the public was kept apprised of the methods that were employed to make the rate of disease drop dramatically. What wasn't mentioned or cared about was that while the rate of disease dropped exponentially among whites, it remained high among blacks and very little notice taken of that.

McCullough referred to the system that was put in place under the Americans as a caste system. All in all, the book was very educational and worthwhile. Building the canal was a monumental feat and McCullough gives it its due. It takes a lot of slogging through statistics to read this book, which is what you expect from David McCollough. At times the story gets mired in a lot of detail that I'll never remember. However, I did enjoy the book and what I learned that I think I'll keep.

My biggest criticism is the lack of maps. What I learned: 1. The French were the first to attempt a canal across the isthmus in Central America.

This was due to the unflagging zeal of Ferdinand de Lesseps, who was instrumental in the buildi It takes a lot of slogging through statistics to read this book, which is what you expect from David McCollough. At times the story gets mired in a lot of detail that I'll never remember. However, I did enjoy the book and what I learned that I think I'll keep. My biggest criticism is the lack of maps.

What I learned: 1. The French were the first to attempt a canal across the isthmus in Central America.

This was due to the unflagging zeal of Ferdinand de Lesseps, who was instrumental in the building of Suiz canal. The company failed, but did build a railway across the isthmus, which was later a factor in the United States decision to select the same route. What is now panama was a part of Columbia, and uncharted jungle. Medical science did not know what caused the deadly yellow fever. But several dedicated doctors and scientists determined that there are three types of mosquitos, and only one is responsible for the spread of the fever. Some in the United States congress and other influential people, namely Theodore Roosevelt, favored a canal route through Nicaragua.

(See why I wanted more maps!). Many people, some not even directly connected with the canal project influenced the Panamanian overthrow of the Columbian government and formed a new government of Panama.

Government was implicated in that junta, partly by presence of warships off the coast. The scope of the task is incomprehensible for me.

The canal made and broke many who were instrumental in the building--and I mean physically, mentally and emotionally. No one knows how many died in either attempt, though in the U.S. Period, some statistics were kept. Yellow Fever was somewhat controlled, yet hundreds still died from that, malaria and accidents.

What I didn't learn that I want to know is the story behind the U.S. Relinquishing control of the Canal in the 1990s. I'll need to read further on that, but suspicion it has something to do with reparations. But if the U.S. Hadn't built it, who knows when or what country would even try. Well if you've read this far, congrats. This is mostly for me to organize my thoughts.

But I don't advise this book if you aren't an avid history reader. Probably no one writes more complete – and exhaustive – histories than David McCullough. In “The Path Between the Seas,” one of his earlier works (1977), McCullough guides you through the political, financial, and engineering intricacies of building the Panama Canal, a modern wonder of the world. It’s a fascinating read, especially if you enjoy history, politics and geography. The opening of the canal – and control – allowed the United States to maintain a two-ocean navy, and provide security fo Probably no one writes more complete – and exhaustive – histories than David McCullough.

In “The Path Between the Seas,” one of his earlier works (1977), McCullough guides you through the political, financial, and engineering intricacies of building the Panama Canal, a modern wonder of the world. It’s a fascinating read, especially if you enjoy history, politics and geography. The opening of the canal – and control – allowed the United States to maintain a two-ocean navy, and provide security for some of the important sea lanes affecting world commerce. Taking nearly fifty years to build, at the turn of the twentieth century it was the largest, costliest single effort ever mounted anywhere on earth.

Thank Teddy Roosevelt for completing the project; thank Jimmy Carter for giving it away. McCullough, David. THE PATH BETWEEN THE SEAS: The Creation of the Panama Canal – 1870-1914. Deemed a popular history, this immense study is more of a scholarly text.

The book won the National Book Award for history in 1977 and was a best seller. McCullough, as usual, has done his research and has provided the history of the canal from its inception in the late nineteenth century by the French to its final completion by the Americans in 1914, at about the time of the start of WW I. McCullough, David. THE PATH BETWEEN THE SEAS: The Creation of the Panama Canal – 1870-1914. Deemed a popular history, this immense study is more of a scholarly text. The book won the National Book Award for history in 1977 and was a best seller.

McCullough, as usual, has done his research and has provided the history of the canal from its inception in the late nineteenth century by the French to its final completion by the Americans in 1914, at about the time of the start of WW I. I was amazed at how much of the task was completed by the French under the direction of Ferdinand de Lesseps – the grand organizer of the project. He achieved his fame and following after his success in the planning and execution of the project that led to the Suez Canal. The Panama Canal, however, was a much different kettle of fish, and ultimately led to a financial debacle that involved the French government and the average investor, the French citizen. The amount of money involved was staggering for the times. Taken together, the French and American expenditures came to about $639,000,000.

The marvel of the project was the creative and innovative engineering involved by both countries. The expenditures, however, captured the imagination of the American public.

David McCullough is one of my favorite authors, however, a book on the Panama Canal wasn't something I was really interested in until I found the book some years later at a used book sale and decided to give it a try. Like many Americans my only knowledge of the Panama Canal was what I read in the textbooks--the United States built the Canal after curing yellow fever. That is such an oversimplified viewpoint that it is almost untrue. It was pretty surprising to find out that the French had origi David McCullough is one of my favorite authors, however, a book on the Panama Canal wasn't something I was really interested in until I found the book some years later at a used book sale and decided to give it a try. Like many Americans my only knowledge of the Panama Canal was what I read in the textbooks--the United States built the Canal after curing yellow fever. That is such an oversimplified viewpoint that it is almost untrue. It was pretty surprising to find out that the French had originally started the canal and failed because of funding and a firm belief in an open water canal rather than a lock system, that the United States had wanted to build a canal in Nicaragua, that we didn't really cure yellow fever but did bring sanitation methods into the area which got rid of the mosquitoes, that most of the dirty work of building the canal was done by blacks from the Caribbean, and that they were treated abysmally--well, maybe that's not a huge surprise but it doesn't make it less awful--and that's just the start.

This huge project was bigger than anything ever attempted up to that time, it was the first major project to use electricity and as luck would have it, the constant interest in the canal ended on the day it opened because of a 'minor' event in Europe called World War 1. My only criticism of the book is that the first few chapters of the book about the French involvement with the canal and the machinations within the US Congress to choose either the Nicaraguan route or the Panama route were extremely long. I could have done with a few less pages of information about these two subjects. Oh, yeah and I forgot the part about the US getting involved in Columbian and Panamanian politics--maybe our first attempt at changing governments that don't suit us! Overall it's a fascinating story about a mechanical system that moves ships from one ocean to another that we all take for granted and definitely shouldn't.

It was an event that fascinated the world, and rightly so, for over 40 years. I read this out loud to Dan.

I really didn't think we'd finish before we left for Panama, but we did it! And this book is loooong. I really enjoyed it though. This is the first McCullough book I've read and I'm incredibly impressed with the amount of research he puts into his writing and loved all the details.

It made seeing the Canal so much more impressive. I only wish McCullough would have gone into a little more depth with the actual engineering of the canal, but the politics behind the proj I read this out loud to Dan. I really didn't think we'd finish before we left for Panama, but we did it! And this book is loooong. I really enjoyed it though.

This is the first McCullough book I've read and I'm incredibly impressed with the amount of research he puts into his writing and loved all the details. It made seeing the Canal so much more impressive.

I only wish McCullough would have gone into a little more depth with the actual engineering of the canal, but the politics behind the project and all the problems and solutions were fascinating. I read this book while I was on a cruise from Houston to Seattle on the NCL Jewel, so I got to see the Big Ditch up close and in live-living-color.awesome experience! It was amazing that I went through the same locks that have been in operation since 1914 and the same locks that my Dad passed through on the Battleship Iowa during WWII from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean.

The book tells the story of the men and women who fought against overwhelming odds to construct a passageway between the I read this book while I was on a cruise from Houston to Seattle on the NCL Jewel, so I got to see the Big Ditch up close and in live-living-color.awesome experience! It was amazing that I went through the same locks that have been in operation since 1914 and the same locks that my Dad passed through on the Battleship Iowa during WWII from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean. The book tells the story of the men and women who fought against overwhelming odds to construct a passageway between the oceans from the time the French began the project to when the Americans finished it. It is a story of engineering achievements, medical triumph, political power plays, a few successes, and a lot of failures.

After reading this book you will be astonished that the canal was completed. The Americans almost made the same tragic mistakes as the French, but a few fortunate events turned the tide. A tiny blood sucking insect almost doomed the project with the unbelievable number of deaths it caused from yellow fever and malaria.

A disturbing underling story was about the horrible treatment of black workers. Even though slavery had been abolished, racism and Jim Crow were alive and well. It was interesting that most black workers came from Jamaica. Southerners did not want to lose their pool of cheap labor, so they blocked efforts to recruit black canal workers from the land of the free. History buffs will love this book, but McCullough weaves a captivating tale that any reader will find intriguing. I give this book my highest recommendation and also recommend that you put a trip through the Panama Canal on your bucket list.

Exhaustive and exhausting! I had wanted to read this book for some time having visited Panama and seen the mighty canal achievement for myself.

The book is a challenge; long and densely packed with detail, some more interesting to me than others. At times I wanted the rambling political descriptions to be over. However I was fascinated by the in-depth history of the project in terms of medicine and the grave impact disease had on the whole enterprise. Panama is a place of stark contrasts with it Exhaustive and exhausting! I had wanted to read this book for some time having visited Panama and seen the mighty canal achievement for myself. The book is a challenge; long and densely packed with detail, some more interesting to me than others.

At times I wanted the rambling political descriptions to be over. However I was fascinated by the in-depth history of the project in terms of medicine and the grave impact disease had on the whole enterprise. Panama is a place of stark contrasts with its modern city and shopping malls and the sight of colossal ships making their transit through the canal just a stone's throw from thick, dripping rainforest. We walked a section of the Camino de Cruces ( the old walking route that originally ran from Caribbean coast to the Pacific) Even this relatively small section from outside the city to the Chagres River is a challenging hike over rough terrain amongst dense vegetation and in intense heat. What it must have been like for the workers of the canal with no modern conveniences is emphasised again and again by McCollough. The Path Between The Seas is a worthy achievement and a worthwhile journey, even for the non-engineers of the world, if you can make the time for it.

In December 1998, while stationed in Panama with the Air Force, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to 'open' the locks at Miraflores on the Panama Canal. I was a young E-3 at the time but I worked on the administrative staff of the base commander. Due to the upcoming closure of the military bases and transfer of the canal to the Panamanian government in 1999, visits from US Senators were somewhat frequent. It was during once such senatorial visit that my commander invited me along (he usua In December 1998, while stationed in Panama with the Air Force, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to 'open' the locks at Miraflores on the Panama Canal. I was a young E-3 at the time but I worked on the administrative staff of the base commander.

Due to the upcoming closure of the military bases and transfer of the canal to the Panamanian government in 1999, visits from US Senators were somewhat frequent. It was during once such senatorial visit that my commander invited me along (he usually invited one member of his staff). While it was a very exciting adventure for me at the time, it was many years before I grasped the amazing, historical experience that I was given. Since then, almost 20 years ago, I have wanted to read 'The Path Between the Seas.' McCullough's style, it is complete with detail - exhaustive but not exhausting. Perhaps it was due to my small brush of history with the canal but the narrative of it's creation kept my rapt attention.

This was a very interesting and informative book on the dream of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans with the Panama Canal. The book starts with the involvement of the famous French designer and construction manager of the Suez Canal and France's eventual failure, and finishes with the US completing the job. It contains all the engineering difficulties, political intrgue, medical discoveries, labor relations management, and construction management challenges you could ask for.

With the c This was a very interesting and informative book on the dream of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans with the Panama Canal. The book starts with the involvement of the famous French designer and construction manager of the Suez Canal and France's eventual failure, and finishes with the US completing the job.

It contains all the engineering difficulties, political intrgue, medical discoveries, labor relations management, and construction management challenges you could ask for. With the completion of the canal, Teddy Roosevelt's dream of the US becoming a world naval power could become a reality. I found this book lurking in my Kindle library (we have a family sharing library, and I have literate children). I decided to read it simply because it was written by David McCullough. I have read several books by this author who is probably the greatest living American historian.

No matter how familiar I think I am with a subject, McCullough fills in blanks I didn't know existed in the most intelligent, complete, and readable way. I was fascinated by the French experience in its attempt at build I found this book lurking in my Kindle library (we have a family sharing library, and I have literate children). I decided to read it simply because it was written by David McCullough.

I have read several books by this author who is probably the greatest living American historian. No matter how familiar I think I am with a subject, McCullough fills in blanks I didn't know existed in the most intelligent, complete, and readable way. I was fascinated by the French experience in its attempt at building the canal, and I am grateful he provided the thorough back story, crucial to the understanding the approach Americans finally took in solving the monumental problems of building a Path Between the Seas. It is an interesting time to read it, too. It details a time when America was eager, willing, and able to look outward and offer, with great confidence, our answer to a problem whose solution would benefit the world, motivated largely by the fact that it WOULD benefit the world.

It was a time when we had the vision, the talent, the will, and the moral authority to operate on this kind of scale. I certainly would have given it 5 stars, but I felt it ended a bit abruptly. I don't agree that he had labored TOO much on the French experience. If anything, he could have given the American aspects of the funding, the congressional debates, etc.

A little more detail. And I know this is a Kindle thing, but I kind of lose track of where I am in the book, and suddenly it is ended. It's not like I can feel the thickness of the remaining pages shrinking in my hands as I read.

Another great contribution by David McCullough! This was a wonderful book by one of my favorite authors, David McCullough, on the building of the Panama Canal. I have had this book on my shelf for a long time, but hesitated to read it because it was the last of David McCullough’s books that I hadn’t read, and I didn’t want to finish reading all his books!

I knew that I would enjoy the engineering aspect of this story, but didn’t realize how many other sides of this story would be completely fascinating. Here are a few details of the story of This was a wonderful book by one of my favorite authors, David McCullough, on the building of the Panama Canal.

I have had this book on my shelf for a long time, but hesitated to read it because it was the last of David McCullough’s books that I hadn’t read, and I didn’t want to finish reading all his books! I knew that I would enjoy the engineering aspect of this story, but didn’t realize how many other sides of this story would be completely fascinating.

Here are a few details of the story of the building of the Panama Canal that I found to be very interesting. Initially, the French worked to build the canal, led by the charismatic, visionary builder Ferdinand de Lesseps, who had overseen the construction of the much smaller, simpler Suez Canal. He was a captivating speaker and had incredible powers of persuasion - he could instill confidence and faith in his listeners, leading them to believe that he could accomplish almost anything. The first difficult decision was which location yielded the best route for the canal, and much debate ensued over the Nicaragua vs. The Isthmus of Panama route. Eventually, it was decided to follow the Panama route, which was part of Colombia at the time, since it was the shortest distance from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean at 50 miles.

Actual digging began on January 20, 1882. It immediately became clear that everything, everything, had to be brought to Panama, including the men to do the work. It was an enormous effort to put together all the support materials required to provide living for the large labor force (reaching as much as 50,000 people in later years) that would converge on the Isthmus to build the canal. Because of a complete lack of understanding of tropical diseases, many, many people died from disease, particularly during the French campaign. In fact, the American doctor who finally led a successful effort to decrease these diseases said, 'Had the French been consciously trying to propagate malaria and yellow fever, they could not have provided conditions better suited for the purpose.' An estimate early on was “that of every four people who came out from France at least two, often three, died of fever.” After nearly a decade of very difficult and slow progress, the French effort ground to a halt. An investigation into what went wrong later described the French attempt to build the canal had been a “willful deception at every turn” and “a stupendous mistake from the beginning.” The collapse of the canal company, which happened officially in February 1889, was “the largest, most terrible financial collapse on record, a stupendous event historically.” The French canal effort had been fraught with fraud, breach of public trust, bribery, misuse of funds, and blackmail.

The investigation that followed included a much-publicized duel, a probable suicide, implications of dozens of involved government officials, two trials, and worldwide fascination. The French effort had spanned a decade and cost $287 million. Following French failure, the United States saw an opportunity to step in and complete the undertaking. Teddy Roosevelt saw the canal as an indispensable path to global destiny for the United States of America. There was a confusing, complicated battle in the US to decide whether they should pursue a new route through Nicaragua or take over the French route through Panama. Prominent men who helped secure the Panama route were William Nelson Cromwell and Philippe Bunau-Varilla, along with the key support of President Roosevelt.

After challenging negotiations with the Colombian government regarding the canal, the US supported a revolution on the Isthmus, which led to the establishment of a new independent country: the Republic of Panama. The revolution was strongly supported by Teddy Roosevelt, and it was said that “without the military presence of the USthe Republic of Panama probably would not have lasted a week.” The $50 million that the US paid to France and Panama to be able to build (and govern) the canal was more than what they had paid for the Louisiana Territory, Alaska, and the Philippines combined. At the beginning of the US plan, Dr. Gorgas led a heroic effort to stamp out malaria and yellow fever by wiping out mosquitos throughout key cities/areas in Panama, similar to what he had accomplished in Havana, Cuba a few years earlier. His dedicated effort led to drastic reductions in disease and vastly cut down deaths on the Isthmus. A key change in philosophy by American engineers was to see the building of the canal fundamentally as a railroad problem, as it was the lifeline along which men, food, supplies, and dirt would move.

An enormous effort to improve the rail lines and corresponding equipment was undertaken, which made a large impact on the US effort. Much debate for many years over which type of canal to build – a sea-level canal or a lock canal. Finally, thankfully, it was decided to build a lock canal, which included the building of a large dam to create an enormous man-made lake through which boats would cross 23 miles of the Isthmus. Whitesnake Looking For Love Скачать. The Army engineers took over the last seven years of construction of the canal, including excavation, building of the dam, and design/construction of the enormous locks.

It took years to complete the Culebra Cut, a 9-mile stretch through the mountains that required an unimaginable amount of excavation. It is difficult to comprehend the sheer magnitude and scale of this project. The total cost was $639 million. There were approximately 25,000 deaths, a staggering number, most of which occurred during the French phase, and most of which were of black workers from the Caribbean.

The total amount of dirt excavated to build the canal was about 262 million cubic yards, approximately four times the original estimated amount. All in all, it was a humongous effort that took 20 years to accomplish. The cost – any way it is measured – was large, but the final result was a magnificent success that linked the oceans. This was a well-researched and wonderfully-written book about a truly remarkable achievement. McCullough deserves 5 stars for the incredible depth and breadth of information presented here. At times, the book warranted no more than 3 stars, for the detail can get tiresome. Hence my 4 stars.

I learned so much about the building of the Panama Canal, and McCullough doesn’t restrict his book to the engineering feats, which are stupendous. He also explores the Panamanian culture, the rampant diseases, the diverse work force and accompanying social divisions, and so much more. The more I read, McCullough deserves 5 stars for the incredible depth and breadth of information presented here.

At times, the book warranted no more than 3 stars, for the detail can get tiresome. Hence my 4 stars. I learned so much about the building of the Panama Canal, and McCullough doesn’t restrict his book to the engineering feats, which are stupendous. He also explores the Panamanian culture, the rampant diseases, the diverse work force and accompanying social divisions, and so much more.

The more I read, the more I wondered how the canal was ever finished. I wanted to learn more about the initial years of transit fees. Who kept them? Ironically, McCullough’s book was published in 1977, the year Pres. Carter gave away the Canal, and oh how I wish McCullough had returned to include an afterword about why that happened, how the treaty was passed, and why the U. Has never been compensated for the colossal expense of lives and money in the building of this truly remarkable Canal.

It is one thing to have a vision but quite another to bring that vision to fruition. David McCullough introduces the reader to the dreamers, the schemers, the builders, the organizers, the financiers, the politicians, and many others who eventually made the dream a reality- a canal (or water bridge) connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The book is comprehensive spanning the time from Columbus (1502) until the canal's completion in 1914 crediting the many individuals from Ferdinand de Less It is one thing to have a vision but quite another to bring that vision to fruition. David McCullough introduces the reader to the dreamers, the schemers, the builders, the organizers, the financiers, the politicians, and many others who eventually made the dream a reality- a canal (or water bridge) connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The book is comprehensive spanning the time from Columbus (1502) until the canal's completion in 1914 crediting the many individuals from Ferdinand de Lessups to Colonel George Goethals, who over the span of 44 years, accomplished a monumental task. Although the author is masterful explaining the complexities of the enterprise, this book is not a casual read but certainly worth the effort. Absolutely fascinating, I loved it!

I was blown away with how much I didn't know about the building of this canal. I learned more about the finances, politics, revolutions, engineering, personnel and machinery that went into the making of this than I even knew existed.

It was exhaustively researched, and well presented. My favorite nugget of knowledge, and one that blew me away was the author's claim that even if the canal were to be built today, with 100 year's worth of technology and machinery Absolutely fascinating, I loved it! I was blown away with how much I didn't know about the building of this canal.

I learned more about the finances, politics, revolutions, engineering, personnel and machinery that went into the making of this than I even knew existed. It was exhaustively researched, and well presented. My favorite nugget of knowledge, and one that blew me away was the author's claim that even if the canal were to be built today, with 100 year's worth of technology and machinery advancements, the canal would not have been built any faster. After learning more of the difficulties they went through, I can see why he would make that claim. Incredible stuff. David McCullough has twice received the Pulitzer Prize, for Truman and John Adams, and twice received the National Book Award, for The Path Between the Seas and Mornings on Horseback; His other widely praised books are 1776, Brave Companions, The Great Bridge, and The Johnstown Flood.

He has been honored with the National Book Foundation Distinguished Contribution to American Letters Award, the Na David McCullough has twice received the Pulitzer Prize, for Truman and John Adams, and twice received the National Book Award, for The Path Between the Seas and Mornings on Horseback; His other widely praised books are 1776, Brave Companions, The Great Bridge, and The Johnstown Flood. He has been honored with the National Book Foundation Distinguished Contribution to American Letters Award, the National Humanities Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “To the majority of those on the job his presence had been magical. Years afterward, the wife of one of the steam-shovel engineers, Mrs. Rose van Hardevald, would recall, 'We saw him.on the end of the train. Jan got small flags for the children, and told us about when the train would pass.Mr. Roosevelt flashed us one of his well-known toothy smiles and waved his hat at the children.'

In an instant, she said, she understood her husband's faith in the man. 'And I was more certain than ever that we ourselves would not leave until it [the canal] was finished.' Two years before, they had been living in Wyoming on a lonely stop on the Union Pacific. When her husband heard of the work at Panama, he had immediately wanted to go, because, he told her, 'With Teddy Roosevelt, anything is possible.'

At the time neither of them had known quite where Panama was located.” —.

A first-rate drama of-mobilization and diplomacy 'not unlike that of war.' When fifteen years of struggle by Suez veteran Ferdinand de Lesseps to build a canal through the Panamanian isthmus collapsed through tropical disease, logistical barriers, and financial disgrace, two Americans managed literally superlative accomplishments: moving billions of cubic yards of dirt, harnessing one of the world's most savage rivers, developing an unprecedented lock and electrical system--and, not least, defeating the Anopheles mosquito. In an open, vigorous style, the author of The Johnstown Flood (1968) and The Brooklyn Bridge (1972) contrasts the manic-depressive attitudes of French and American populations and leaders toward the canal with the cool perseverance of his two heroes: the engineer John Stevens, a former common laborer who took charge of the collapsing canal project and realized that the problem was not digging but transportation; and Dr.

William Gorges, who conquered malaria and yellow fever in a region where hospital rooms used to literally shake from patients' chills. Ironically, it was the often jingoistic 'Manifest Destiny' rhetoric and the medical experience of the brutal Spanish-American War that provided Congressional backing and scientific leads for the Panama task. A further twist was the origin of the Panamanian republic which permitted the canal to go through: French adventurer Phillippe Bunau-Varilla executed a coup against Colombia in 1903 for 'the greater glory of France,' then, according to McCullough, promptly put the new nation and its treasury under the wardship of the US State Department and the House of Morgan respectively. Meanwhile, viewing the French example, Congress so feared possible graft in Panama that it threw horrific red tape around the canal project. But Stevens was able to recruit the greatest engineering minds of the period--and the book is able to recapture their breakthroughs.