The Historical Atlas Of World Railroads

A fascinating history of railroad development on every continent.

First published in 1999

A fascinating visual exploration of the transportation system that helped shape the modern world.

" ... the history of the railroad in North America, from its origins in Britain in the 1820s and short lines connecting Eastern Seaboard rivers in the 1830s to Amtrak and the modern intermodal freights driving today's railroad revival."--Jacket.

In a sense the very earliest railways were simply ruts caused by the passage of carts on softer ground. Railways of this nature may have been in use as early as 2200 BCE. But railways became a worldwide economic force only in the middle of the nineteenth century, some forty or fifty years after the first demonstration of a mechanically powered train. What radically changed--in the space of less than three decades--was the method of propulsion, from human or horse power to steam powered "travelling engines," the forerunners of the modern railway locomotive. Such railways enabled faster, more efficient transport of people and goods, opened the world to settlement and changed the nature of war, allowing supplies and soldiers to be moved much faster than on horseback or on foot. Historical Atlas of Early Railways highlights the innovations, failures and most memorable moments of railways through the ages. Read about a variety of designs and inventions including the steam underground in 1863, rack and mountain railways, electric railways, monorails and atmospheric railways. Study the world's oldest surviving railway map. This newest addition to the popular Historical Atlas Series features 320 maps and 450 photos and other illustrations, and is a beautifully designed chronicle for anyone who has a fondness for history, maps or trains.

With over 400 high quality maps, plans, and photographs this book brings the subject to life, revealing all aspects of rail transportation and technology. It maps the spread of the networks across the country, showing the stations and important intersections, the layout and location of major bridges and tunnels, and much more. It examines railroad technology, from the early steam engines, through diesel and electric locomotives. It also details the building of stations, railroad constructions and factories that grew up around the railroad network. Social history is explored, covering the movement of people, farm produce and manufactured goods, giving a real insight into the role that rail transportation played.

"A highly illustrated volume tracing the emergence of modern railways. In this book, [the author] compiles archival maps and illustrations, many never before published, showing the locations and routes of the world's early railways, as well as the locomotive and rail technology that was key to the development of those railroads. In addition to maps, the illustrations include photos of most of the surviving first locomotives from collections around the world and of replicas too, where they exist"--Amazon.com.