Rival Rails Audiobook By Walter R. Borneman cover art

Rival Rails

The Race to Build America's Greatest Transcontinental Railroad

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Rival Rails

By: Walter R. Borneman
Narrated by: Norman Dietz
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The driving of the golden spike at Promontory Summit, which marked the completion of the country's first transcontinental railroad, was only the beginning of the race for railroad dominance. In the aftermath of this building feat, dozens of railroads, each with aggressive empire builders at their helms, raced one another for the ultimate prize of a southern transcontinental route that was generally free of snow, shorter in distance, and gentler in gradients.

More than just a means of transportation, the railroads were a powerful mold, and the presence of a rail line had the power to make - or break - the fledgling towns and cities across the newborn American West. While much has been written about the building of the first transcontinental railroad, the bulk of the history of the railroads in the United States has been largely ignored. With a meticulous, loving eye, Walter Borneman picks up where most other histories leave off.

©2010 Walter R. Borneman (P)2010 Tantor Americas Engineering Railroads Transportation United States

Critic reviews

"With modern railroads in a state of renewal, this well-written history of western railroad expansion will greatly interest rail fans and general readers alike. " ( Library Journal)

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I'm certainly one who is interested in the evolution of trains throughout the west, The reader as well as the content reads like a train schedule with a litany of schedules, cities, and railroad companies. I'm a fan of Boreman's other works, but this one does not live up to the others.

Reads like a train schedule

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Good information, but uses far too many names and facts to keep the tale flowing... well researched, just not a good story unless you already know the names.

Detail Heavy

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Would you try another book from Walter R. Borneman and/or Norman Dietz?

No

What was most disappointing about Walter R. Borneman’s story?

There was too much detail that was not directly related. The book is more the story of the Santa Fe than anything else

Would you listen to another book narrated by Norman Dietz?

No

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Boredom

Any additional comments?

No

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