Examines the building of the transcontinental railroad and discusses whether it showed the United States at its best or was an example of unfairness, racism, and greed.

Explains how the birth of the railroad forever changed how wars were fought, from the Crimean War and American Civil War through both world wars, the Korean War, and the Cold War and its mysterious missile trains.

"Filled with unusual and unexpected stories and facts, this illustrated survey of the most important historical and contemporary railway lines around the world will captivate a wide audience, from the curious browser to researching students. The book organizes the railroads chronologically, considering each according to its greatest impact on social, commercial, political, engineering, and military history. Maps plus more than 200 elegant drawings,...