Description

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From the first steam-powered locomotives of the early nineteenth century to the high-speed commuter trains of today, the American railroad has been a great engine powering the nations growth and industry.

This book celebrates the glory and grandeur of that legacy with a lavish tour of the history of the American railroad and the culture surrounding it.

Generously illustrated with vintage photographs, modern images, maps, timetables, tickets, brochures, and all manner of memorabilia, this volume offers a fascinating look at the rail industrys beginnings and development, as well as its place in American history.

From the might of the major rail companies and their empires to the romance of rail travel, this is the full and fabulously colorful story of the industry that moved a nation--and stirs our imaginations to this day.

About the Author

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Claude Wiatrowski has been writing or providing photos for books on Colorado history for 25 years. His published works include Railroads of Colorado, Railroads Across North America, The Cripple Creek & Victor Book, and Teller County Colorado; he was also the photographer for Man in the Garden of the Gods and Colorado's Black Canyon. In addition to writing books, Wiatrowski also produces videos on historic railroads. His productions have won Telly and Teddy awards, and one was selected for the Library of Congress Local Legacies Program.

Praise For…

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Sirreadalot.org,Sept. 15, 2007

“From the night of yester-year’s rail empires to the railroad’s current roles. The book is the fabulously colorful story of the industry that moved nations and stirred imaginations. In this authoritative volume, Wiatrowski leaves no stone unturned, presenting the railroad’s beginning, its evolving role in daily life, the technological marvels, and its intersections with popular culture.”

Polish American Journal, November 2007

“Older readers will enjoy stoking the fires of their memory.Younger readers will be amazed at the scope of railroads in American life.All readers will find that the railroads of yesteryear are still here—both as preserved railways they can ride and in museums they can visit.”

Midwest Book Review/Wisconsin Bookwatch,November 2007

“Train travel enthusiast and photographer Claude Wiatrowski is … in a particularly knowledgeable position to crate a profusely illustrated history of American railroads and has done so with Railroads Across North America, an amazingly informed and informative 256-page compendium of information and images ranging from the first steam-powered locomotives of the 1800’s down to the high-speed commuter trains of today.”

Belfast

“For railroad enthusiasts, this is undoubtedly a collector’s item.”

Newsletter,Sept. 29, 2007

Model Railway Express (UK), Winter 2007

“Index: Excellent.”

Steam Railroad Magazine (UK), Winter 2007

“For devotees of transatlantic trains, it is an excellent gift.”

Scale Rails, November 2007

“Railroads Across North America is an entertaining account of railroading in the US and Canada … An essential volume for hard-core railfans, casual enthusiasts and those interested in the central role that railroads have played in the history of a continent!”