Sunday, January 24, 2016

Sandler, Martin W. Iron Rails, Iron Men and the Race To Link the Nation: The Transcontinental Railroad.

Sandler, Martin W.  Iron Rails, Iron Men and the Race To Link the Nation: The Transcontinental Railroad.  Candlewick Press      2015  211p.  $22.99  ISBN 978-0-7636-6527-2  all ages  Nonfiction  E-BN      

The creation of a railway that runs from coast to coast across the United States is the subject of this history.  The construction of the transcontinental railroad ushered in the industrial age across much of this nation.  This title, in very concise, easily read text, tells the story of the construction project from its inception as the dream of Asa Whitney, to the incorporation of migrant workers from Europe and Asia for the blasting and construction, to the political and financial hurdles to completion of the construction, to the related social impacts of the project, and finally to its completion.  Many pages include photographs, maps and other related documents that help to pull the reader through the book.  The epilogue describes what happened to many of the individuals who were a driving force behind the project.  The book concludes with a timeline, extensive source notes, a bibliography, photography credits, and an index.  A list of web links would have been a welcome addition.
                 
The book is highly recommended for inclusion in any secondary school or public library collection.

Summary:  The construction of the transcontinental railroad ushered in the industrial age across much of this nation.  This title, in very concise, easily read text, tells the story of the construction project from its inception to its completion.  
     

Railroads-History                                                 --Lynn Fisher

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