Customer Reviews

Laurel Line: An Anthracite Region Railway (Interurbans special)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have to commend the publisher for bringing this treasure back to life. The original edition was published in the 1980s and had been out of print for some time. To have the book back in print is a gift to all rail enthusiasts and history buffs.

I worked as an intern at the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum and the Everhart Museum (both in Scranton, PA) and the National Canal Museum in Easton, PA on my way to achieving my master's degree in museum studies at George Washington University. I know first hand the depth of research involved in creating a book like this and I heartily commend the authors.

You will not be sorry with adding the new edition of the Laurel Line to your book collection. It is a must have.

The photo restoration between this new version and the previous Interurban edition is quite remarkable. The Electric Trolley Museum Association's web site ([...]) touts the new second edition and its "improved photo reproduction."

The type is the average size of most books on the market. It is not being sold as a large-type edition, and shouldn't be expected to be so.

In my opinion, to find fault with this edition is ludicrous. It's a professionally reproduced new edition - enjoy it!

After looking at this book on Amazon I was very anxious to recieve it as I am very interested in the Laurel line. The book arrived quickly and well packaged. It has a great looking cover and I couldn't wait to start reading it.

As soon as I opened the book, I realized I had made a mistake. The font was very small and the margins were quite large. The printing was not consistent from page to page and the pictures were small and quite dark. They looked nothing like the pictures in the video review on Amazon. The pages reminded me of the old mimeograph sheets we would get in school in the 70's.

I briefly skimmed a few pages and it looked like the authors did a great job compiling a wealth of information and pictures on the Laurel line but the publisher/printers really let them down.

Thanks to Amazons excellent return policy, I was able to return this book with no problms. It was a total disappointment. Luckily, I ordered "Trackside Around Scranton" at the same time and it far exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it instead.

*edit December 2010* I was interested to see that Ms Langan edited her original review to dispute my observations. I wonder if this is the same Ms Langan that is co-owner of the publishing company? My observations still stand, the printing in the book I received was of poor quality. I plan to visit the Trolley Museum in Scranton. If I can find a book of good quality I will amend my review.

The co-author of Laurel Line: An Anthracite Region Railway, James N.J. Henwood is pleased with this second edition of his book.

He comments, "The book is very attractive and appealing. The reprinting process did an excellent job, the pictures especially, are much improved over the original 1986 edition, and the type is clear and readable."

This endorsement by the book's co-creator is enough to want to add this to my collection.