The Crystal Palace

The book chronicles the conception, competition, and step-by-step construction of a large iron-and-glass exhibition building, detailing design selection and the committee process. It explains key structural elements and assemblies — gutters, sash-bars, ridges, girders, columns, galleries, floors, and foundations — and describes the machines and workshop processes used for cutting, drilling, punching, planing, glazing, and painting. Sections cover erection techniques, cranes and staging, provisions for thermal expansion, testing of girders and floors, water supply, payment procedures and general statistics. Numerous engravings, plans, and appendices document competitors, reports, and technical particulars of the building’s execution.