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the Aedifex: Building the Pont du Gard, Hessler, Thomas

worldofbooksinc
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Last updated on Jun 13, 2025 14:57:45 PDTView all revisionsView all revisions

Item specifics

Condition
Very Good: A book that does not look new and has been read but is in excellent condition. No obvious ...
ISBN
1492186031
EAN
9781492186038
Publication Name
N/A
Type
Paperback
Release Title
the Aedifex: Building the Pont du Gard
Artist
Hessler, Thomas
Brand
N/A
Colour
N/A
Book Title
Aedifex: Building the Pont Du Gard
Publisher
CreateSpace
Item Length
9 in
Publication Year
2013
Format
Trade Paperback
Language
English
Item Height
1.5 in
Author
Thomas Hessler
Genre
Fiction
Topic
Historical
Item Weight
39.6 Oz
Item Width
6 in
Number of Pages
682 Pages
Category

About this product

Product Identifiers

Publisher
CreateSpace
ISBN-10
1492186031
ISBN-13
9781492186038
eBay Product ID (ePID)
208680903

Product Key Features

Book Title
Aedifex: Building the Pont Du Gard
Number of Pages
682 Pages
Language
English
Topic
Historical
Publication Year
2013
Genre
Fiction
Author
Thomas Hessler
Format
Trade Paperback

Dimensions

Item Height
1.5 in
Item Weight
39.6 Oz
Item Length
9 in
Item Width
6 in

Additional Product Features

Intended Audience
Trade
TitleLeading
The
Synopsis
the Aedifex: A historical novel. See website: www.buildingthepontdugard.com The Romans created an epic empire, a civilization much more sophisticated than we might imagine to have existed two thousand years ago. Their institutions and military were impressive, but their structures were equally so, built with physical and mathematical understanding that we can't take for granted. Yet, for all the evidence that exists- architectural books by Vitruvius and the structures themselves, there remain mysteries; there are no explanations for some of their practices and we are awed by their accomplishment. An aqueduct built in southern France, of which the Pont du Gard is but one feature, is one such epic work. In the thirty-mile transit of the water, from springs to terminus, from ancient Ucetia to Nemausus, the aqueduct falls only thirty-eight feet. How did the Romans measure that fall so precisely? We would be hard-pressed to accomplish that precision with modern equipment. Yet, not only did the Romans have to construct to the precise measurement of one-third inch in one-hundred feet, they had to convince the administrators, the Empire and those with money, that the terminus was, indeed, lower than the source before millions of man-days were expended and millions of sestertii spent.There are other mysteries still existing for this project. Yet, in the Aedifex we are entrained in the project from its inception by the Roman imperators, through the mind-stretching activities that must be undertaken to bring an epic project from dream to reality. The technology, the innovation, and the execution are impressive and this accomplishment is viewed through the actions of the people directly involved. A bright young man is tasked to find a source, wandering the hills of southern France to do so. He is eventually aided by an architect from Rome, tutoring him and preparing him for the challenge that waits. Together, they battle foot-dragging bureaucracy, citizens who would rather not send their water south (sound familiar-California?), the military who have their own means of constructing a project, not to mention the massive undertaking itself. Of course the people involved have their personal lives, in conflict with the requirements of the project in those times, just as we today must balance work, family and play. Love, jealousy, anger, revenge, collusion, and determination all have their sway in the story. To reflect the modern perspective of the ancient project, Warner, a retired engineer/constructor from the United States, dedicates time to understand the magnitude and technical aspects of the project. He soon encounters the mysteries and labors to unravel them, using his background to assist his understanding trumping some of those who have only managed to find only a void of information. Warner also encounters Laurie, and her mother, Lisele, both complicating his life in a way one would think adventurous. We are exposed to attitudes and customs of the folk in southern France, in the Nimes and Uzes regions, and intimately trample the local geography. Note that Thomas Hessler has the background to appreciate the accomplishment, difficulties, and techniques of building this aqueduct. He has used this knowledge to craft a story that is a useful and reasonable portrayal of that which might actually have occurred. In the portrayal, we are dealing with the architectural/engineering mind. We get glimpses of the working of the engineering mind and grin at the foibles therein displayed. There are few sitcoms, movies, plays, or other drama with engineers as the main characters. In the Aedifex, we will see if this avoidance is justified.

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worldofbooksinc

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In 2002, World of Books Group was founded on an ethos to do good, protect the planet and support charities by enabling more goods to be reused. Since then, we've grown into to a global company ...
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  • r***1 (177)- Feedback left by buyer.
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    The book was exactly as described and arrived quickly. The only problem is a recurring one with this seller and other similar sellers - the book is poorly packaged in a plastic envelope and gets heavily bumped in shipping. I would like to see the books wrapped before shipment, but I understand this can't be done for cost reason. Luckily it isn't an expensive book, and I will continue to purchase basic books from this seller. A+++++
    The Narrow Road to the Deep North and..., Basho, Matsuo (#316498951864)
  • p***m (273)- Feedback left by buyer.
    Past 6 months
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    A+ Highest Rating for this transaction. Nova Classic Volume 2 - Marvel / Paperback - condition & quality look really good, ALMOST NEW even better than described. Shipping was Fast (1 week) / packaging was thin mylar mailer, but no visible damage to book. Great price AND free shipping. I buy here often, and this transaction was flawless. 5 STARS
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  • t***2 (167)- Feedback left by buyer.
    Past 6 months
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    This was a paperback/softcover 29 year old book I purchased in very good condition as described. However it was delivered in a plain white plastic envelope. They should have at least used a bubble pack lined shipping envelope for protection of the item inside. They should re-think their shipping & packaging strategies, especially with much much older delicate items. Other wise no problems whatsoever with seller. Recommended seller. A+
    Pray for Us Sinners: The Hall Mary ..., Kunkle, Fredric (#276960311343)
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