The Tunnel under the Channel

by Thomas Whiteside

History of failed Channel Tunnel projects.

133 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Thomas Whiteside was a distinguished American journalist and author whose investigative reporting for The New Yorker frequently spurred major legislative reform. After studying at the University of Chicago and serving in the Office of War Propaganda, he became a formidable voice in advocacy journalism. He is perhaps best known for his instrumental role in exposing the ecological and human devastation caused by Agent Orange; his meticulous reporting served as the primary catalyst for Congressional hearings and subsequent federal restrictions on the chemical.
Whiteside’s diverse body of work often challenged corporate and political power, from revealing the use of ethylene gas in industrial tomato farming to documenting police violence against journalists at the 1968 Democratic Convention. A prolific author, his books explored topics ranging from cigarette advertising and computer crime to the "blockbuster complex" of the publishing industry. In recognition of his enduring impact, he was named a MacArthur Fellow in 1986.

Reviews

[Paulfozz · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting overview of the history of the idea of building a crossing over/under the English Channel, concentrating on the attempt to dig a tunnel in the 1880s. Written in the 1960s it pre-dated the 'Chunnel', but saw the beginning of the renewed interest after the setting up of the common market. Well written.

[Phil Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some useful and interesting trivia on Victorian attempts to build a channel tunnel. A little short on the financial details.