Sunday, October 4, 2015

Iron Rails, Iron Men, and the Race to Link the Nation: The Transcontinental Railroad by Martin W. Sandler - ADVISABLE

Sandler, Martin W. Iron Rails, Iron Men, and the Race to Link the Nation: The Transcontinental Railroad NON FICTION 211 pgs. Candlewick Press, 2015. $22.99. Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: G; Violence: G.  

The great race to link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by railroad in the 1860s is masterfully described in this beautifully presented book.  Lots of photographs, maps, biographies of the key players, side bars and information. Sandler covers the organization of both the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads, the difficulties and successes; the corrupt organizers, politicians and shareholders; the hardworking Irish and Chinese immigrants, the brilliant designers, surveyors and inventors, trouble with mother nature, deserts, mountains and indians.  The whole story is here.

So well put together, I couldn’t put it down. A great read. Includes an index, bibliography, source material and photography credits. 

EL - Optional MS, HS - ADVISABLE  Lisa Librarian

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