T�tulo: Moving the Obelisks: A Chapter in Engineering History in Which the Vatican Obelisk in Rome in 1586 Was Moved by Muscle Power, and a Study of More Recent Similar Moves
Editor: M.I.T. Press, Cambridge Ma
Fecha de publicaci�n: 1970
Idioma: Ingl�s
ISBN 10: 026254010X
ISBN 13: 9780262540100
Encuadernaci�n: Paperback
Ilustrador: b/w Illustration + Map
Edici�n: First Thus.
Estado: Good
Tipo de libro: Book

Acerca de

Sinopsis

Dating from the beginning of historical memory, the obelisks of ancient Egypt—those tall, tapering shafts typically weighing from 200 to 500 tons—were carved from a single block of solid stone to commemorate the ruler of the moment. If they were still in fashion as monuments, even the ruler of a nation that can lift men to the moon would find it no cinch to erect even a typical Egyptian model.

Many of these ancient monoliths, taken from Egypt as trophies of conquest and symbols of power through the efforts of extraordinary human labor and engineering ingenuity, were re-established in the capitals and seats of empire that also inherited Egypt's burden of civilization. While near the climax of their historical potency, obelisks were erected by Alexandria, Nineveh, Constantinople, Rome, Paris, London, New York....

Fascinating as obelisks are as tracers of world history, the methods by which they have been moved and raised from ca. BC1500 to AD1880 (when the New York obelisk was raised) are more interesting still: the study of these methods comes close to being an encapsulated history of mechanical and civil engineering—from the use of stone and wood to iron and steel, from man power through horse power to steam power, from the lever and inclined plane through the pulley and capstan to the hydraulic jack and screw propeller. This epic history and these epic (literally "cast of thousands") engineering feats are indeed succinctly encapsulated in this volume.

It is ironical that the Egyptians left behind descriptive and pictorial records of the most prosaic activities of daily life, but very little of their most astonishing achievements: the building of the pyramids and the moving of the obelisks. The book records such information as we have, together with various conjectures. What is certain is that the obelisks were moved great distances by man power alone. The Romans left scarcely more of a record, beyond a few references in Pliny, even though they overcame the additional difficulty of a transmediterranean voyage.

We do have a full record of the moving of the Vatican obelisk in 1586 from several contemporary accounts, most especially that of the project's deviser and chief engineer, Domenico Fontana. This move is the central concern of the book: "It was this proud symbol of the triumph of Christian Rome over pagan Rome that prompted many popes to plan the inclusion of the obelisk into the pattern of the new Rome.... It required moving this enormous stone 275 yards from its old position to the new one in front of the cathedral, and it therefore became a topic of major interest among engineers as well as among prelates." The book details how Fontana, with the enthusiastic backing of Pope Sixtus V, solved the problem by utilizing 48 capstans spread over what is now St. Peter's Square, turned by the combined musclepower of men and horses.

Full accounts are also given of the Paris, London, and New York obelisks. Of particular interest here are the various methods—including a pontoon built around a prone obelisk—by which the monoliths were transported on the high seas.

Contemporary engravings are reproduced throughout.

This book was first issued in 1952 by the Burndy Library.

Rese�a del editor

Dating from the beginning of historical memory, the obelisks of ancient Egypt--those tall, tapering shafts typically weighing from 200 to 500 tons--were carved from a single block of solid stone to commemorate the ruler of the moment. If they were still in fashion as monuments, even the ruler of a nation that can lift men to the moon would find it no cinch to erect even a typical Egyptian model.Many of these ancient monoliths, taken from Egypt as trophies of conquest and symbols of power through the efforts of extraordinary human labor and engineering ingenuity, were re-established in the capitals and seats of empire that also inherited Egypt's burden of civilization. While near the climax of their historical potency, obelisks were erected by Alexandria, Nineveh, Constantinople, Rome, Paris, London, New York....Fascinating as obelisks are as tracers of world history, the methods by which they have been moved and raised from ca. BC1500 to AD1880 (when the New York obelisk was raised) are more interesting still: the study of these methods comes close to being an encapsulated history of mechanical and civil engineering--from the use of stone and wood to iron and steel, from man power through horse power to steam power, from the lever and inclined plane through the pulley and capstan to the hydraulic jack and screw propeller. This epic history and these epic (literally "cast of thousands") engineering feats are indeed succinctly encapsulated in this volume.It is ironical that the Egyptians left behind descriptive and pictorial records of the most prosaic activities of daily life, but very little of their most astonishing achievements: the building of the pyramids and the moving of the obelisks. The book records such information as we have, together with various conjectures. What is certain is that the obelisks were moved great distances by man power alone. The Romans left scarcely more of a record, beyond a few references in Pliny, even though they overcame the additional difficulty of a transmediterranean voyage.We do have a full record of the moving of the Vatican obelisk in 1586 from several contemporary accounts, most especially that of the project's deviser and chief engineer, Domenico Fontana. This move is the central concern of the book: "It was this proud symbol of the triumph of Christian Rome over pagan Rome that prompted many popes to plan the inclusion of the obelisk into the pattern of the new Rome.... It required moving this enormous stone 275 yards from its old position to the new one in front of the cathedral, and it therefore became a topic of major interest among engineers as well as among prelates." The book details how Fontana, with the enthusiastic backing of Pope Sixtus V, solved the problem by utilizing 48 capstans spread over what is now St. Peter's Square, turned by the combined musclepower of men and horses.Full accounts are also given of the Paris, London, and New York obelisks. Of particular interest here are the various methods--including a pontoon built around a prone obelisk--by which the monoliths were transported on the high seas.Contemporary engravings are reproduced throughout.This book was first issued in 1952 by the Burndy Library.

"Sobre este t�tulo" puede pertenecer a otra edici�n de este libro.

Descripci�n de la librer�a

Vashon Island Book is located on Vashon Island, an idylic country setting just a short ferry ride from Downtown Seattle. We are a quality internet bookstore for readers & collectors. We have a select, diverse stock that is constantly changing and growing. We do the majority of our business over the Net and are committed to providing professional service. With 30 plus years combined book selling experience and knowledge Vashon Island Books provides a trustworthy and respected outlet for your book buying needs. To learn more about us, feel free to Visit our web site at: vashonbooks.com

Ver la p�gina web de la librer�a

Informaci�n empresarial del vendedor

Vashon Island Books, LLC
22100 Vashon Highway, Vashon, WA, 98070, U.S.A.

Condiciones de venta y env�o

Condiciones de venta

Payment with order. Check (US$ only/US Bank), PayPal (vashonbooks@comcast.net) or Credit Card (Visa, M/C, Amex., & Discover). Returns only if item is not as described. (Please notify us immediately on upon receipt of any problem.

We pack carefully.
Shipping: U.S.: $5.00 1st volume. Priority Mail minimum $9.95 (large/oversized/heavy cost more).

UPS also available at extra cost.
Vashon Island Books, LLC
22100 Vashon Highway
Vashon, Wa 98070
phone 206 408 7017
e-mail to: vashonbooks@comcast.net

Derecho a cancelaci�n

Si eres un consumidor puedes cancelar el presente contrato de acuerdo con lo indicado a continuaci�n. Son consumidores las personas f�sicas que act�en con un prop�sito ajeno a su actividad comercial, empresarial, oficio o profesi�n.

Documento de informaci�n al consumidor y usuario sobre el desistimiento

Derecho de desistimiento:

Tiene derecho a cancelar este contrato en un plazo de 14 d�as por cualquier motivo.

El plazo de desistimiento expirar� a los 14 d�as naturales del d�a en que t� o un tercero que hayas indicado, distinto del transportista, adquiera la posesi�n material del �ltimo bien, componente o pieza.

Para ejercer el derecho de desistimiento, deber�s notificarnos a Vashon Island Books, 22100 Vashon Highway, 98070, Vashon, Washington, U.S.A., de tu decisi�n de desistir del contrato a trav�s de una declaraci�n inequ�voca (por ejemplo, una carta enviada por correo postal, fax o correo electr�nico). Podr�s utilizar el modelo de formulario de desistimiento que figura a continuaci�n, aunque su uso no es obligatorio. Tienes asimismo la opci�n de cumplimentar y enviar electr�nicamente el modelo de formulario de desistimiento o cualquier otra declaraci�n inequ�voca a trav�s de nuestro sitio web a "Mis pedidos" en "Mi cuenta". Si recurres a esta opci�n, te comunicaremos sin demora en un soporte duradero (por ejemplo, por correo electr�nico) la recepci�n de dicho desistimiento.

Para cumplir el plazo de desistimiento, basta con que la comunicaci�n relativa al ejercicio por tu parte de este derecho sea enviada antes de que venza el plazo correspondiente.

Consecuencias del desistimiento:

En caso de desistimiento por tu parte, te devolveremos todos los pagos recibidos de ti, incluidos los gastos de entrega (con la excepci�n de los gastos adicionales resultantes de la elecci�n por tu parte de una modalidad de entrega diferente a la modalidad menos costosa de entrega ordinaria que ofrezcamos) sin ninguna demora indebida y, en todo caso, a m�s tardar 14 d�as naturales a partir de la fecha en la que se nos informes de tu decisi�n de desistir del presente contrato. Procederemos a efectuar dicho reembolso utilizando el mismo medio de pago empleado por ti para la transacci�n inicial, a no ser que hayas dispuesto expresamente lo contrario; en todo caso, no incurrir�s en ning�n gasto como consecuencia del reembolso.

Podremos retenerte el reembolso hasta haber recibido los bienes, o hasta que hayas presentado una prueba de la devoluci�n de los mismos, seg�n qu� condici�n se cumpla primero. Deber�s devolvernos o entregarnos directamente los bienes a Vashon Island Books, 22100 Vashon Highway sw, 98070, vashon, Washington, U.S.A., sin ninguna demora indebida y, en cualquier caso, a m�s tardar en el plazo de 14 d�as naturales a partir de la fecha en que nos comuniques tu decisi�n de desistimiento del contrato. Se considerar� cumplido el plazo si efect�as la devoluci�n de los bienes antes de que haya concluido dicho plazo. Deber�s asumir el coste directo de devoluci�n de los bienes. Solo ser�s responsable de la disminuci�n de valor de los bienes resultante de una manipulaci�n distinta a la necesaria para establecer la naturaleza, las caracter�sticas y el funcionamiento de los bienes.

Excepciones al derecho de desistimiento:

La entrega de peri�dicos, publicaciones especializadas o revistas con la excepci�n de contratos de suscripci�n; y
La entrega de contenido digital (incluyendo apps, MP3, etc.) que no hubiera sido entregado en un medio tangible (por ejemplo: CD o DVD), si al realizar tu pedido has aceptado que podemos proceder al env�o del producto y que no resulta posible su cancelaci�n una vez comienza la entrega.

Modelo de formulario de desistimiento

(S�lo debe cumplimentar y enviar el presente formulario si desea desistir del contrato)

A la atenci�n de: (Vashon Island Books, 22100 Vashon Highway, 98070, Vashon, Washington, U.S.A.)

Por la presente le comunico/comunicamos* que desisto de mi/desistimos de nuestro* contrato de venta del siguiente bien/prestaci�n del siguiente servicio*

Pedido el/recibido el*:

Nombre del consumidor y usuario o de los consumidores y usuarios:

Domicilio del consumidor y usuario o de los consumidores y usuarios:

Firma del consumidor y usuario o de los consumidores y usuarios (solo si el presente formulario se presenta en papel):

Fecha:

* Eliminar en su caso

Condiciones de env�o

For shipping info call 206-408-7017. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or over-sized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Tarifas de env�o en Estados Unidos de America

Tarifas de env�o en Estados Unidos de America
Cantidad del pedido	De 5 a 14 d�as h�biles	De 3 a 7 d�as h�biles
Primer art�culo	EUR 4.26	EUR 8.48

Los plazos de entrega los establecen los vendedores y var�an seg�n el transportista y la ubicaci�n. Los pedidos que pasan por la aduana pueden sufrir retrasos y los compradores son responsables de los aranceles o tarifas asociadas. Los vendedores pueden ponerse en contacto con usted en relaci�n con cargos adicionales para cubrir cualquier aumento en los costes de env�o de los art�culos.