Autobiography of Sir John Rennie, F.R.S., Past President of the Institute of Civil Engineers: Comprising the history of his professional life, together with reminiscences dating from the commencement of the century to the present time.

"Autobiography of Sir John Rennie, F.R.S." is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. This autobiography details the professional life and insights of Sir John Rennie, a notable civil engineer, focusing on his experiences and contributions to various engineering projects and developments during his lifetime. The opening of the autobiography introduces the early life and education of Sir John Rennie, detailing his upbringing in London and his introduction to civil engineering through his father's profession. Rennie recounts the notable figures he encountered in his youth, including the young poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and highlights the educational institutions that shaped his early years. As he reflects on his transition into civil engineering, he describes his practical experiences on significant projects like the construction of Waterloo and Southwark Bridges, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his illustrious career in the chapters that follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)