Few industries have a more illustrious history than that of the railroad. From its birth in the 19th century through the first half of the 20th century, the railway industry helped transform developing nations into industrial powers. Though now often overshadowed by the automobile and passenger jet, rail transport still plays a vital role at the dawn of the 21st century.
Lavishly illustrated with photographs, maps, charts and drawings, this book is described by its author as the first complete history of Japanese railways written in English. "Complete" is a tall order to fill, but the authors have done a decent job of covering all the bases, if somewhat sketchily, as they describe the growth of Japan's railroads from a single-track steam railway in 1872 to today's dense network that stretches over 27,000 km.
More analysis would have been welcome, but the book's sheer breadth and numerous graphics are sure to make it a valued addition to the collection of any train buff.