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A History of the Railroad in 100 Maps
The first international history of railroads and railroad infrastructure told through stunningly reproduced maps.
Since their origins in eighteenth-century England, railroads have spread across the globe, changing everything in their path, from where and how people grew and made things to where and how they lived and moved. Railroads rewrote not only world geography but also the history of maps and mapping. Today, the needs of train companies and their users continue to shape the maps we consume and consult.
Featuring full-color maps primarily from the British Library's distinguished collection—many of them never before published—A History of the Railroad in 100 Maps is the first international history of railroads and railroad infrastructure told through maps. Jeremy Black includes examples from six continents, spanning a variety of uses from railroad planning and operations to guides for passengers, shippers, and tourists.
Arranged chronologically, the maps are accompanied by explanatory text that sheds light on the political, military, and urban development histories associated with the spread of railroads. A final chapter considers railroad maps from games, books, and other cultural artifacts. For anyone interested in the history of railroads or maps, A History of the Railroad in 100 Maps will offer new and unexpected insights into their intertwined global history.
Since their origins in eighteenth-century England, railroads have spread across the globe, changing everything in their path, from where and how people grew and made things to where and how they lived and moved. Railroads rewrote not only world geography but also the history of maps and mapping. Today, the needs of train companies and their users continue to shape the maps we consume and consult.
Featuring full-color maps primarily from the British Library's distinguished collection—many of them never before published—A History of the Railroad in 100 Maps is the first international history of railroads and railroad infrastructure told through maps. Jeremy Black includes examples from six continents, spanning a variety of uses from railroad planning and operations to guides for passengers, shippers, and tourists.
Arranged chronologically, the maps are accompanied by explanatory text that sheds light on the political, military, and urban development histories associated with the spread of railroads. A final chapter considers railroad maps from games, books, and other cultural artifacts. For anyone interested in the history of railroads or maps, A History of the Railroad in 100 Maps will offer new and unexpected insights into their intertwined global history.
- GenresTrainsHistoryNonfiction
288 pages, Hardcover
Published November 5, 2024
About the author
Jeremy Black
452 books202 followersJeremy Black is an English historian, who was formerly a professor of history at the University of Exeter. He is a senior fellow at the Center for the Study of America and the West at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US.
Black is the author of over 180 books, principally but not exclusively on 18th-century British politics and international relations, and has been described by one commentator as "the most prolific historical scholar of our age". He has published on military and political history, including Warfare in the Western World, 1882–1975 (2001) and The World in the Twentieth Century (2002).
Black is the author of over 180 books, principally but not exclusively on 18th-century British politics and international relations, and has been described by one commentator as "the most prolific historical scholar of our age". He has published on military and political history, including Warfare in the Western World, 1882–1975 (2001) and The World in the Twentieth Century (2002).
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 4, 2024
I found this to be an interesting and informative book! There's so many historical facts regarding the railways. Also included are interesting facts that railroads were somehow related to historical topics. I really enjoyed all of the fantastic maps and pictures!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the University of Chicago Press via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the University of Chicago Press via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 31, 2025
Jeremy Black’s A History of the Railroad in 100 Maps offers a visually stunning and insightful journey through the global development of railroads. Using a carefully curated selection of historical maps—many from the British Library—the book showcases how railroads not only transformed transportation but also reshaped geography, industry, and urban planning. Black’s commentary provides valuable context, linking the maps to key moments in political, military, and economic history. While it may be best suited for history buffs, rail enthusiasts, and map collectors, general readers will also find it an engaging way to understand the profound influence of railroads on the modern world.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews