Everyone uses bridges in their day to day lives. In fact, England could not have developed as it has without them. As well as their environmental value, their aesthetic curves and graceful arches are an attractive feature of the landscape. From the beautiful simplicity of an ancient clapper bridge to the elegant, sweeping lines of a modern suspension bridge, these structures delight the eye and complement their surroundings. But what do we really know about them? How and when were these bridges built? What exactly does a particular part do? And, most importantly, why don't they fall down? In this easy-to-follow book, Trevor Yorke uses his own illustrations, diagrams and photographs to explain the basic principals and styles of bridges so the reader can better appreciate them, and recognise how they work and from what period they date. The book is divided into four sections. The first gives the background of the subject; the second describes arched bridges; the third explains other forms of bridges and investigates viaducts and aqueducts. The fourth is a quick reference guide with a list of bridges to visit and a glossary to explain any unfamiliar terms.