It would be impossible to imagine the rapid growth of the United States and Canada without railroads. From the industry's first tentative steps in the early nineteenth century to the railways of our day, here is a fitting celebration of that legacy-an all-encompassing tome for hardcore railfans and casual enthusiasts alike.For more than 150 years, railroads have transformed everyday life in North America - Bringing goods to market, carrying travelers across the continent, seeing us through wars, enriching our folklore, and proving indispensible tour economic, industrial, and social infrastructures. And that's not to mention the mind-bending technologies and machines that railroads have spawned.The Complete Book of North American Railroading celebrates the people and machines that have made this growth possible. In these pages, a cast of railroading authorities team up to tackle the industry's genesis; the development of steam, electric, and diesel-electric locomotives; the golden age of passenger travel; workhorse freight haulers; railroad infrastructure; and modern railroading operations. Read Less