Railroads and the American People
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- $17.99
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- $17.99
Publisher Description
“[A] wealth of vignettes and more than 100 black-and-white illustrations . . . Does a fine job of humanizing the iron horse” (The Wall Street Journal).
In this social history of the impact of railroads on American life, H. Roger Grant concentrates on the railroad’s “golden age,” from 1830 to 1930. He explores four fundamental topics—trains and travel, train stations, railroads and community life, and the legacy of railroading in America—illustrating each with carefully chosen period illustrations.
Grant recalls the lasting memories left by train travel, both of luxurious Pullman cars and the grit and grind of coal-powered locals. He discusses the important role railroads played for towns and cities across America, not only for the access they provided to distant places and distant markets but also for the depots that were a focus of community life, and reviews the lasting heritage of the railroads in our culture today. This is “an engaging book of train stories” from one of railroading’s finest historians (Choice).
“Highly recommended to train buffs and others in love with early railroading.” —Library Journal
“With plenty of detail, Grant brings a bygone era back to life, addressing everything from social and commercial appeal, racial and gender issues, safety concerns, and leaps in technology . . . A work that can appeal to both casual and hardcore enthusiasts.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this delightful and informative study, Clemson University historian Grant (Iowa's Railroads) explores America's "love affair with the iron horse," approaching the subject from a primarily social viewpoint. Drawing from memoirs and anecdotes supplemented with hundreds of photos and reproductions, Grant covers the golden age of railroading (1830 1930) plus the last heyday of the '40s and '50s. He shows just how the railroads influenced and shaped the country, even as they evolved over time. In the first section, the author covers the development, design, and culture of the actual rolling stock. The "Stations" chapter is all about the depots and buildings that serviced and expanded the industry. In "Communities," Grant delves into the love/hate relationship Americans have had with trains. Finally, "Legacy" explores the many ways in which the railroads left indelible marks on American society, from place names to common idioms. With plenty of detail, Grant brings a bygone era back to life, addressing everything from social and commercial appeal, racial and gender issues, safety concerns, and leaps in technology. But Grant never loses sight of the big picture and the essential role the railroads played in American life. He writes with authority and clarity in a work that can appeal to both casual and hardcore enthusiasts.
