Building on the success of The Civil Engineers, The Contractors charts the development of contracting from the early days of direct labour, through the canal building of the18th century when contractors began to emerge as a major force in construction, railway development, motorway construction, privatisation and two world wars, to the international companies of today. A comprehensive study of the men and machines that have had an impact around the world on major civil engineering and construction projects and made the industry we see today. With direct involvement and contributions from the construction industry and lavishly illustrated with full colour illustration, the book includes biographies of some of the key figures in the industry, with many of these names still seen in the names of companies trading today, such as Sir Robert McAlpine, Sir Edmund Nuttall, George Balfour, Sir John Laing, Sir Richard Costain, Olaf Kier and Ray O'Rourke.

Hugh Ferguson and Mike Chrimes' fascinating series is now available as a three-volume set. The Civil Engineers, The Contractors and The Consulting Engineers follows the story of the engineering profession, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the people and companies who made the industry what it is today. All of the books show the evolution of the civil engineering profession from ancient times to the present day, revealing how British endeavour has impacted the infrastructure of the United Kingdom and wider world. Each book is illustrated throughout and presented in full colour and contains biographies of the biggest names and influential pioneers including Grundy, Smeaton, Telford, Stephenson, Brunel, Binnie, Gibb and Arup, and many more. These books will appeal to professional engineers, academics, students of engineering, historians and the wider public who are interested in the social and industrial history of Great Britain, and its influence throughout the world.