• Rival Rails

  • The Race to Build America's Greatest Transcontinental Railroad
  • By: Walter R. Borneman
  • Narrated by: Norman Dietz
  • Length: 15 hrs
  • 3.8 out of 5 stars (40 ratings)

Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Rival Rails  By  cover art

Rival Rails

By: Walter R. Borneman
Narrated by: Norman Dietz
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $18.91

Buy for $18.91

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

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
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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)

What listeners say about Rival Rails

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    13
  • 4 Stars
    10
  • 3 Stars
    13
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    1
Performance
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    12
  • 4 Stars
    11
  • 3 Stars
    9
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    11
  • 4 Stars
    11
  • 3 Stars
    8
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    1

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Reads like a train schedule

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Detail Heavy

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Ok

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!