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stevenyenzer's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty solid biography for its age. As another reviewer put it, it’s definitely “uncritical,” but entertaining and interesting.
velocitygirl14's review against another edition
challenging
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Very informative and very complete biography. It goes in deep with details and explains the reasons why the Brunels despite some of their losses, were so instrumental in ushering in the industrial age in Britain. Good tone and pacing,
rogerb's review against another edition
3.0
I've always been interested in IKB, and needed to refer to this book when preparing material on the Atmospheric Railways.
Now I've read all of it: Holt has done a very good job on taking us back to primary sources and I learned quite a bit about the whole tribe of Vistorian engineers and thir rivalries: but far too often he is let down by turning it into a hagiography.
You can almost hear the capitals when he talks about the great man.
3 stars is harsh, but I seek a more balanced account.
Now I've read all of it: Holt has done a very good job on taking us back to primary sources and I learned quite a bit about the whole tribe of Vistorian engineers and thir rivalries: but far too often he is let down by turning it into a hagiography.
You can almost hear the capitals when he talks about the great man.
3 stars is harsh, but I seek a more balanced account.
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