Smithsonian: Train, The Definitive Visual History
By Dorling Kindersley
Hardcover, 320 Pages
www.dk.com
This coffee-table sized book celebrates the history of the train from the first steam-powered locomotive invented by Richard Trevithick in Wales in 1804, to modern-day high speed bullet trains that carry people through countries at lightning speed.
There’s details on the world’s first intercity railroad that began in the 1830s and ran for 32 miles, linking the port in Liverpool to factories in Manchester in Britain.
The book chronicles the history of the railroad through text and glorious photos, sketches and graphics of more than 400 engines, railcars and trains, along with pioneering engineers and historic routes that changed society.
Railroads opened up continents to growth and development, sparked urbanization, unified time between various communities and prompted long-distance, rapid transit, says Tony Streeter in the book’s foreword.
There has been a revival recently in steam train travel, with history buffs restoring these great machines and offering rides to the general public.
With this book, you can enjoy a look back to the very early days of steam and diesel and celebrate the train and its many glories over the past 200 years. Enjoy the ride.
