Overview

A highly illustrated volume tracing the emergence of modern railways. Praise for the author's previous title, America Discovered ""Hayes offers more than just the state's emergent political boundaries and geological elevations. He presents a fascinating, map-based chronicle of the region's legendary gold rush, the gradual domination of its railroads, the development of its diverse ethnic composition, its blazing urban cataclysms, and its role in World War II. While laudably information-dense, the text is also an appealing, highly enjoyable read."" --Library Journal In this book, Derek Hayes compiles archival maps and illustrations, many never before published, showing the locations and routes of the world's early railways, as well as the locomotive and rail technology that was key to the development of those railroads. In addition to maps, the illustrations include photos of most of the surviving first locomotives from collections around the world and of replicas too, where they exist. Much of the world's early railways originated in Britain, but Hayes also considers the earliest systems in North America, continental Europe, and elsewhere. The book covers the emergence of the first steam locomotives, including the historically important Stockton and Darlington, the world's first public railway system to use steam locomotives, and Liverpool and Manchester, for its pioneering use of cast iron girders. In addition to mainstream railways, atmospheric railways are considered as well as electric railways, underground railways, monorails, and mountain (rack) railways, all of which have fascinating histories. For The First Railroads, Derek Hayes travelled to most of the locations mentioned and visited railway museums all over the world, amassing a wealth of information and illustrative materials, including never before seen ephemera. Here he proves again his reputation for in-depth research and rare photographs and maps -- and for making it enjoyably readable.

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9780228100096

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Reviews

This atlas traces the development of rail technology from horse-drawn carts on wooden waggonways to coal- and steam-powered locomotives on steel rails. It also explores the development of rail transportation from single-destination local routes to the increasingly complicated networks that led to modern railway systems. Hayes includes archival maps and illustrations that bring this period in railroad history to life.--Lindsay Harmon Booklist (12/01/2017)

Beautifully and profusely illustrated from cover to cover, The First Railroads: Atlas of Early Railroads is a uniquely informed and informative history that is a 'must read' for any and all railroading enthusiasts. Impressively informed and informative, The First Railroads: Atlas of Early Railroads is a simply fascinating read and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and academic library Railroading History collections and supplemental studies reading lists.-- (11/01/2017) This atlas traces the development of rail technology from horse-drawn carts on wooden waggonways to coal- and steam-powered locomotives on steel rails. It also explores the development of rail transportation from single-destination local routes to the increasingly complicated networks that led to modern railway systems. Hayes includes archival maps and illustrations that bring this period in railroad history to life.-- (12/01/2017) In The First Railroads, Hayes--an independent historian and geographer--presents more than just an atlas; this is an engrossing history. Richly illustrated with contemporary and vintage images and maps that bring the text to life, this work also discusses the evolution of railway technology (locomotion, track design, and engineering) as well as the industry's various innovators and promoters through history... Highly recommended. All readers.-- (06/01/2018)

Author Information

Derek Hayes is the author of America Discovered, and the bestselling Historical Atlas Series, which includes Historical Atlas of the North American Railroad and Historical Atlas of the United States. He is the distinguished author of nine illustrated historical books. He is the only two-time winner of the British Columbia Lieutenant-Governor's Medal for Historical Writing. Hayes lives in White Rock, B.C.

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