By Bill Laws

Railroads, much more than just a mode of transportation.

This book covers the most important historic and contemporary railway lines around the world. Filled with unusual and unexpected stories and facts, it will captivate a broad audience, from the curious browser to researching students, The book organizes the railroads chronologically, considering each according to its most significant impact on social, commercial, political, engineering, and military history. Maps plus more than 200 elegant drawings, photographs and paintings, and dozens of sidebars highlight the concise, engaging text.