"Filled with unusual and unexpected stories and facts, this illustrated survey of the most important historical and contemporary railway lines around the world will captivate a wide audience, from the curious browser to researching students. The book organizes the railroads chronologically, considering each according to its greatest impact on social, commercial, political, engineering, and military history. Maps plus more than 200 elegant drawings, photographs and paintings as well as dozens of sidebars highlight the concise, engaging text. The fifty railroads span history, from the first in public passenger travel (Wales, 1807) to Japans speed-record breaking "Bullet.""--Provided by publisher.