In the Wake of Tacoma: Suspension Bridges and the Quest for Aerodynamic Stability

Quest Stability: In the Wake of Tacoma examines how the 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse influenced suspension-bridge design. This illustrated history covers investigations into the collapse, later aerodynamic and design developments, and bridges built or planned around the world. Its description says the book uses accessible, non-technical language for engineers and general readers.

At a glance

Traces suspension-bridge design before and after the 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse.
Covers investigations into the collapse and subsequent aerodynamic and other design developments.
Surveys major and smaller suspension bridges worldwide, as well as engineering debates, projects and design concepts.
Described as an illustrated book written in accessible, non-technical language.

Price

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Reference price: ~~$77.00~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Connects a major bridge failure to decades of subsequent suspension-bridge engineering.
Includes both well-known bridges and smaller examples that contributed to the form's development.
The stated non-technical approach may make the subject approachable beyond engineering specialists.

Technical specifications

8 specifications

Publication
Publisher	Amer Society of Civil Engineers
Publication date	June 1, 2001
Language	English
Print length	416 pages
ISBN-10	0784405425
ISBN-13	978-0784405420

Dimensions and physical details
Weight listed	2.55 pounds
Dimensions	8.25 x 1 x 10.5 inches

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers interested in bridge engineering and the history of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse.
Engineers and general readers seeking an illustrated, broad survey of suspension bridges and their design evolution.

Less suited to

Readers seeking a current engineering handbook or technical design manual. The supplied description presents this as a historical narrative and reference survey.

In the Wake of Tacoma: Suspension Bridges and the Quest for Aerodynamic Stability · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.5 / 5 · 2 ratings

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The listing shows a small rating sample with ratings in the four- and five-star categories, but provides no written customer feedback. That offers only a limited signal about reader reception and does not reveal which aspects readers valued. The book's stated scope may suit readers seeking an illustrated historical survey, while those needing current technical guidance should note its 2001 publication date and history-focused description.

Frequently asked questions

What topics does In the Wake of Tacoma cover?

It follows the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse, the investigations into its cause, and the aerodynamic and other design changes that shaped later suspension bridges.

Does the book cover bridges beyond Tacoma?

Yes. Its description says it surveys notable suspension bridges worldwide over the decades after the collapse, including smaller and mid-span examples, as well as projects and design concepts.

Is it written for readers without an engineering background?

The description characterizes the book as using easy-to-understand, non-technical language and says it is intended to appeal to both engineers and non-engineers interested in bridges.