The North American Railroad: Its Origin, Evolution, and Geography (Creating the North American Landscape)
Vance (emeritus, geography, Univ. of California-Berkeley) offers a detailed yet readable presentation of why American railroads are located where they are. He asserts that the American railroad experience, although originating in England, took a different tack. England's system was built to serve established cities and industries through solidly constructed lines, while the U.S. system created economic enterprises and cities through quickly built lines and more powerful locomotives. Vance's book is divided into five parts, treating railroads in different sections of the country and in Canada. It does not replace the more general histories, such as John F. Stover's American Railroads (LJ 11/15/78, o.p.), or Charlton Ogburn's more popular Railroads (LJ 6/1/77, o.p.). It is authoritative, well written, and essential for academic libraries and will appeal to informed rail fans as well.?George M. Jenks, Bucknell Univ., Lewisburg, Pa.Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.