The Leaning Tower explores the history, architecture, and engineering marvels surrounding the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. It delves into why the tower leans and the innovative efforts to stabilize it. The book reveals that the tower's tilt wasn't immediately apparent; it began during construction in the 12th century due to the area's unstable subsoil. Readers will discover how the geological composition of soft clay, sand, and silt beneath the tower has continually challenged its structural integrity.
The book progresses chronologically, starting with Pisa's medieval ambitions and the tower's initial construction, then analyzing the geological factors contributing to the lean. It details various stabilization attempts throughout history, culminating in the modern engineering project that significantly reduced the tilt. Through historical documents, geological surveys, and interviews, the book presents a compelling case study in structural engineering, highlighting the interplay between design, geology, and innovative problem-solving.
This approach challenges the perception of the tower as a mere tourist attraction, reframing it as a testament to human resilience.
