Tourists have braved small country roads to find them. Avid admirers view them as a form of artistry from earlier times that must be preserved. To many Americans, covered bridges are symbols of a quieter, simpler way of life and a link to the not-so-distant past. These practical and charming extensions are also monuments to the builders who designed and constructed them. A world authority on covered bridges, Richard Sanders Allen provides a richly detailed account of these engineering pioneers, the tools they used, and their finished masterpieces.Allen describes foot bridges, latticework, and double-decked structures, double-barreled bridges, drawbridges, and more, in locations from Maine to New Jersey. Enhanced with 150 illustrations, diagrams, and maps, the text provides complete information on bridge location, length of span, and other data.A priceless tribute to bygone days, this profusely illustrated and delightfully written book will captivate lovers of Americana and anyone interested in bridge construction.