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The Railroad Builders; a chronicle of the welding of the states   By: (1868-1958)

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The Railroad Builders by John Moody is an insightful and captivating chronicle of an era that shaped the infrastructure and connectivity of the United States as we know it today. Although lacking in a gripping title that truly reflects the depth and significance of the content, Moody's book offers a comprehensive and detailed account of the ambitious railroad construction projects that united the country.

The narrative style of this book is engaging, taking readers on a fascinating journey through the challenges, triumphs, and perseverance of those who dedicated their lives to the arduous task of building railways across vast and treacherous landscapes. Moody weaves together the stories of key figures - engineers, financiers, and laborers - from different regions, highlighting their contributions and the impact they had on the nation's growth.

One of the most commendable aspects of The Railroad Builders is the author's meticulous research. Moody leaves no stone unturned, providing an in-depth understanding of the technological advancements, logistical complexities, and financial intricacies that accompanied the railroad expansion. This attention to detail, coupled with his ability to make complex concepts accessible to readers, showcases Moody's expertise and passion for the subject matter.

Furthermore, the book also sheds light on the social, economic, and political implications of the railroad ventures. Moody skillfully explains how these iron tracks transformed remote and isolated regions into vibrant economic centers, fueling industrialization, and spawning new towns and cities. The narrative effectively captures the excitement, opportunities, and challenges faced by individuals and communities affected by the expansion.

Despite its strengths, The Railroad Builders does have a few minor drawbacks. The organization of the book occasionally feels disjointed, with some chapters lacking a clear connection to the overall narrative. Additionally, at times, the level of detail provided can become overwhelming, bogging down the flow of the book and making it challenging to keep track of all the characters and events.

However, Moody's prose is generally captivating and adept at maintaining reader engagement. The author possesses a talent for vividly describing the construction sites, the landscapes traversed, and the hardships endured by those involved. These descriptive passages provide readers with a rich visual experience, transporting them to the awe-inspiring wilderness through which the railways were carved.

Overall, The Railroad Builders by John Moody is a meticulously researched and engrossing account of a significant period in American history. Despite its somewhat lackluster title, the book offers a valuable insight into the ambitious and arduous efforts that ultimately connected the states through a web of steel. Anyone interested in the history of railroads or the transformation of the United States will find this chronicle to be both educational and engaging.

First Page:

THE RAILROAD BUILDERS

A CHRONICLE OF THE WELDING OF THE STATES

Volume 38 In The Chronicles Of America Series

By John Moody

New Haven: Yale University Press

Toronto: Glasgow, Brook & Co.

London: Humphrey Milford

Oxford University Press

1919

CONTENTS

I. A CENTURY OF RAILROAD BUILDING II. THE COMMODORE AND THE NEW YORK CENTRAL III. THE GREAT PENNSYLVANIA SYSTEM IV. THE ERIE RAILROAD V. CROSSING THE APPALACHIAN RANGE VI. LINKING THE OCEANS VII. PENETRATING THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST VIII. BUILDING ALONG THE SANTA FE TRAIL IX. THE GROWTH OF THE HILL LINES X. THE RAILROAD SYSTEM OF THE SOUTH XI. THE LIFE WORK OF EDWARD H. HARRIMAN XII. THE AMERICAN RAILROAD PROBLEM

BIBLIOGRAPHY

THE RAILROAD BUILDERS

CHAPTER I. A CENTURY OF RAILROAD BUILDING

The United States as we know it today is largely the result of mechanical inventions, and in particular of agricultural machinery and the railroad. One transformed millions of acres of uncultivated land into fertile farms, while the other furnished the transportation which carried the crops to distant markets. Before these inventions appeared, it is true, Americans had crossed the Alleghanies, reached the Mississippi Valley, and had even penetrated to the Pacific coast; thus in a thousand years or so the United States might conceivably have become a far reaching, straggling, loosely jointed Roman Empire, depending entirely upon its oceans, internal watercourses, and imperial highways for such economic and political integrity as it might achieve... Continue reading book >>




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