Rail, Steam, and Speed : The "Rocket" and the Birth of Steam Locomotion
Editorial Reviews
Review
"You don't have to be a railroad fanatic to find this book fascinating.... The story of the trials themselves is delightful and readable. A surprising, but pleasing recommendation." -- Popular Science
"A fascinating story that anyone with even the smallest interest in the steam locomotive will enjoy... a pleasurable and highly informative read." -- Ink
"Accessible to general readers...appropriate for libraries with larger railroad history collections." -- Library Journal
"This book, an excellent example of the genre... Highly recommended" -- Choice
Review
"A wonderful delight, written with verve. But more -- this is one of the most dramatic stories of the Industrial Revolution: how railways became speedy, reliable, capable conveyors of rapid economic growth, rather than mere adjuncts of mines, incapable of moving burdens more than short distances at a plodding pace. This leap of speed was as significant to history as the advent of the steam engine itself. McGowan's facts have been vetted by a phalanx of world-respected experts in early British technology, and then he's given fresh life to the tale, injecting the sense of risk and adventure that it so clearly deserves. Bravo." -- William L. Withuhn, curator, History of Technology, Smithsonian Institution
"McGowan's excellent account of the famous Rainhill locomotive trials in 1829 brings forth all the adventure, curiosity, and social import that any technological breakthrough engenders in mankind. For the rail fan or social historian, McGowan's book puts the reader center stage for steam locomotion's genesis, and the developments that helped speed the build out of England's railway system. His clearly written, thoughtfully researched, historically rich prose glides off the page in an intimate style that brings us close to the men, machines, and science like no other book. Anyone interested in the history of steam locomotives, railway development and the engineering required for both, will find this volume a compelling, thoroughly engaging read." -- Jeff Brouws, author of A Passion for Trains: The Railroad Photography of Richard Steinheimer, and co-author of Starlight on the Rails
"McGowan's book is extremely well researched and written, making it a must read for all those interested in the earliest development of steam locomotives, railroads, and industrial history." -- Mel Patrick, director of digital archiving, Center for Railroad Photography and Art
"A well written account (no technical jargon) of the birth of steam locomotion, with full documentation for scholars. It1s essential reading for North Americans who want to know more about the beginnings of railroads and steam power in England." -- John Gruber, president, Center for Railroad Photography and Art, Madison, Wisconsin
Rail, Steam, and Speed : The "Rocket" and the Birth of Steam Locomotion
Rail, Steam, and Speed: The "Rocket" and the Birth of Steam Locomotion,Chris McGowan,Columbia University Press,0231134746,19th century,England,General,History,Modern - General,Railroads,Railroads - History,Steam locomotives,Transportation,History of specific subjects,Railway technology & engineering,Technology / History,Trains & railways: general interest
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