The NORTH WESTERN: A HISTORY OF THE CHICAGO AND NORTH WESTERN RAILWAY SYSTEM (Railroads in America) [Hardcover]

H ROGER GRANT (Author)

Book Description

Series: Railroads in America | Publication Date: December 4, 1996

Leading railroad historian H. Roger Grant tells the story of the Chicago & North Western Railway from 1848, when the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad ran the first train west from Chicago, to the Union Pacific takeover in 1995. With a lively narrative and 173 illustrations, including historical photographs and maps, he reveals the inner workings of a railroad that once spanned nine states and has long intrigued enthusiasts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Richly detailed.... The writing is lively and the illustrations thoughtfully chosen."—Railroad History

"A lively commentary that should prove most fascinating.... A highly readable but serious history of the North Western."—Chicago Tribune

"A comprehensive and well-written study."—Trains

Product Details

• Hardcover: 306 pages
• Publisher: Northern Illinois University Press (December 4, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875802141
• ISBN-13: 978-0875802145
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,284,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great history book about a great railway., December 23, 1997

By 

James Heidel ([e-mail]) (Melbourne, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The NORTH WESTERN: A HISTORY OF THE CHICAGO AND NORTH WESTERN RAILWAY SYSTEM (Railroads in America) (Hardcover)

This publication covers the complete history of the Chicago & North Western Railway from the initial charter of the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad in 1836 through the final years before the C&NW was absorbed by the Union Pacific in 1995. This work is one that a reader will come away having learned the evolution of the former C&NW and the reasons for its prominence in railroad history. It is a must have reference text for any fan of Midwest rails. Professor Grant has included numerous illustrations and b&w photographs from his personal collection and from others that have been crisply reproduced and concisely captioned. The generous footnotes and ample bibliography provided are illuminating and will offer any student of Midwest rail history an excellent starting point for a research endeavor of their own.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most enjoyable railroad book I have read., June 20, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The NORTH WESTERN: A HISTORY OF THE CHICAGO AND NORTH WESTERN RAILWAY SYSTEM (Railroads in America) (Hardcover)

My comments will be brief, as the fine review already provided by James Heidel is accurate and complete. I intend only to convince any of those who are unsure of buying this book that this really is a great value. Simply excellent writing combined with ample information has resulted in the best book I have read about railroading.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on the history of the CNW, May 23, 2010

By 

D. Kuntz "Chem Boy" (Longview, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The NORTH WESTERN: A HISTORY OF THE CHICAGO AND NORTH WESTERN RAILWAY SYSTEM (Railroads in America) (Hardcover)

This is undoubtedly the best book on the history of the CNW I have ever read - if not the best railroading book altogether. It is complete and thorough, from the railroad's inception to merger with the Union Pacific. It is a bit dense, but I've read it in its entirety. Focuses more on the corporate side of the CNW, is a bit short on locomotive rosters and track maps, although it does have lots of B & W photographs. Definitely recommended.