If you're having a bad travel day, read a section or two of this book as part of your therapy. If you're constipated or the opposite of constipated, read this book while sitting on your throne, beca...use it will make whatever isn't or is happening more fun.For the past forty years, bad things have been happening to the author and/or those around him when he leaves his home. Go back in time with him and ask yourself, "How can all of this happen to one guy?Is he still alive?"It happened on a boat without a goat, but there was a goat on that plane he rode. He did drive his car to the bar, but it wasn't the car that shoved that hook through his hand. It didn't rain on his train, but he got soaked on that bird he flew.He's just your average, middle-aged, overweight, white American who averages more than his share of bad luck. Somehow, he finds humor in his misadventures. Brighten your day at his expense.Tired of trying to follow the plot with too much character development? Don't worry, this book has none of that. Just short stories and quips that will make you laugh out loud, groan at the author's expense, and look over your shoulder as you stand in the transportation line comparing his picture to those around you. Trust us, if you see him, cancel your reservation or confirm you are up to date on your insurance premiums. Read more
Border Crossings: A Journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway is a remarkable travelogue by artist and illustrator Emma Fick. This illustrated guide captures her epic train journey on the Trans-Siberian R...ailway—from Beijing through Mongolia to Moscow—including more than 200 watercolor illustrations and handwritten text that includes cultural and historical information as well as invaluable travel tips.
When Emma and her boyfriend (now husband) Helvio discovered a worn copy of the Trans-Siberian Handbook at a secondhand shop in Helsinki, they took it as a sign to embark on their own adventure on the legendary railway. A year and a half later, they boarded the train in Beijing and began their 26-day, 8-city journey across Asia to Moscow.
Border Crossings is the chronicle of their unforgettable experience. Emma offers a concise history of the railway and in vivid, visual language, takes readers across a vast landscape of rural villages and bustling urban centers, through open food markets brimming with delicacies and a snowy mountain wilderness dotted with clusters of gers—nomadic homes. Her detailed observations and lush descriptions, accompanied by detailed colorful illustrations, bring this remarkable journey of discovery and adventure—the landscapes, food, people and cultures—to life.
In Mongolia, readers can experience drinking salty milk tea, eating shoe sole cake (fried cakes shaped like shoe soles piled high and topped with milk curds and hard candies), and riding camels. In Russia, they can wander through a snow-draped countryside filled with stands of birch trees, explore the wonders of freshwater Lake Baikal—the source of omul, a ubiquitous and beloved fish delicacy—go ice fishing, and take a self-guided tour of Moscow.
Border Crossings is an invitation to experience new destinations and cultures first-hand—to travel the Trans-Siberian Railway as never before, whether you’re a nomad looking for a new vacation destination, an armchair traveler, or just culturally curious. With its hand-drawn maps, its wealth of illustrations of every aspect of the experience, and its vivid descriptions, Border Crossings is the perfect companion for anyone looking to experience the wonders of the Trans-Siberian Railway.
The Diesel That Did It: General Motors' FT Locomotive (Railroads Past and Present)
The Diesel That Did It: General Motors' FT Locomotive (Railroads Past and Present) tells the story of a revolution that shook railroading to its foundations. In 1939, a group of gifted engineers and d...esigners at the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors were planning a diesel-electric, semi-streamlined freight engine that would establish a new standard for reliability, flexibility, and cost. This locomotive, the FT, would eventually put the steam locomotive out of business.
Wallace W. Abbey's The Diesel That Did It is the story of how the FT emerged as the dominant locomotive power plant for 20 years. Abbey explores how EMC conceived the FT and how it was adopted by the Santa Fe Railway, a great American railroad that threw its conservative mechanical traditions aside to bet big on the diesel.
The Diesel That Did It features more than 140 exquisite photographs by Abbey and other noted photographers, making it a captivating story not to be missed by railroaders and railfans. With its captivating narrative and stunning visuals, The Diesel That Did It is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of railroads.
Scenic Driving Utah: Exploring the State's Most Spectacular Back Roads
Explore the majestic beauty of Utah with Scenic Driving Utah: Exploring the State's Most Spectacular Back Roads. This indispensable highway companion maps out 28 drives through Utah's breathtaking sce...nery, offering more than 1,500 miles of riding pleasure.
Discover the fantastic rock formations of the Colorado Plateau, the Middle Rocky Mountain region's northern mountain wonderland, and the forbidding yet fascinating Basin and Range region. Stop along the way to explore Native American rock art, picturesque small towns, canyon and alpine hiking trails, and the state's mining, Pony Express, and Mormon history.
Take in Utah's long and vibrant history, explore its myriad outdoor recreational activities, and experience its breathtaking scenery. With Scenic Driving Utah: Exploring the State's Most Spectacular Back Roads, you can be sure to get the most out of your trip. Pack up the car and enjoy a journey through the Beehive State's scenic byways and back roads.
The C&O Canal Companion: A Journey through Potomac History
The C&O Canal Companion: A Journey through Potomac History is an indispensable guide to one of America's unique national parks. Written by Mike High, this comprehensive guide takes readers on a 184-mi...le journey along the Potomac River waterway and towpath from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland and the Allegheny Mountains. Through attractive photographs and drawings, High introduces park visitors to the hidden history along the canal, and provides practical advice on cycling, paddling, and hiking.
The second edition of this popular, fact-packed book features updated maps and photographs, as well as the latest information on lodgings and other facilities for hikers, bikers, and campers. It also delves deeper into the history of the upland region, relaying new narratives about Native American settlements, the European explorers and traders who were among the first settlers, and the lives of slaves and free blacks who lived along or escaped slavery via the canal.
The C&O Canal Companion is an invaluable resource for those looking to explore the natural wonders of the Potomac while tracing the routes of pioneers and engineers, including George Washington, who explored the river route to the West as a young man and later laid out the first canals to make the river navigable. This guide provides all the information needed to fully enjoy the park's varied delights.
Britain's 100 Best Railway Stations is a Sunday Times top 10 bestseller that celebrates the architectural gems of Britain's railway stations. Written by Simon Jenkins, the foremost expert on Britain's... national heritage, this book takes readers on a journey through the length and breadth of Great Britain. From Waterloo to Wemyss Bay, Betws-y-Coed to Beverley, Jenkins reveals the history, geography, design and significance of each of these glories.
Featuring beautiful colour photographs throughout, this joyous exploration of our social history shows the station's role in the national imagination and celebrates the engineers, architects and rival companies that made them possible. It also tells the story behind the triumphs and follies of these very British creations.
The book has been praised for Jenkins' prowess as a phrase-maker, with The Times calling it an 'uplifting exploration of our social history' (Guardian). Britain's 100 Best Railway Stations is a must-read for anyone interested in Britain's railway heritage and the architectural gems that make it so special.
Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America
Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America is a New York Times Notable Book of 2020. It is the first book to explore the historical role and residual impact of the Gr...een Book, a travel guide for black motorists used for decades when traveling through segregated America. Published from 1936 to 1966, the Green Book was hailed as the “black travel guide to America.” At that time, it was both dangerous and difficult for African Americans to travel, because black travelers couldn’t eat, sleep, or buy gas at most white-owned businesses. The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses that were safe for black travelers. It was a resourceful and innovative solution to a horrific problem.
Candacy Taylor writes in her introduction, “The Green Book was published during a time when car travel symbolized freedom in America, but since racial segregation was in full force throughout the country, the open road wasn’t open to all. When black motorists picked up a copy of the Green Book, they were greeted by the words ‘Just What You Have Been Looking For!! NOW WE CAN TRAVEL WITHOUT EMBARRASSMENT.’”
Overground Railroad is an in-depth exploration of the Green Book and its impact on black travel. Chapters in the book include: Driving While Black, The Business of the Green Book, Vacation, Music Venues, The Roots of Route 66, Women and the Green Book, and more. It took courage to be listed in the Green Book, and Overground Railroad celebrates the stories of those who put their names in the book and stood up against segregation. It shows the history of the Green Book, how we arrived at our present historical moment, and how far we still have to go when it comes to race relations in America. Read more to explore the role of the Green Book in the fight for racial equality and learn more about the history of black travel in America.
Attleboro, Massachusetts has a long and fascinating history. This book, Images of America: Attleboro, takes readers on a journey through the first few decades of the 20th century, when the town was en...tering a period of growth and change. The book features over 200 photographs, many of which have never before been published, that explore how the changes have affected Attleboro and what the community has become.
Readers can explore the early days of Attleboro, starting with its incorporation in 1694. Learn about the division within the community in the 1700s, with groups forming separate churches and the arrival of the railroad. See early residents at work and at play, through the magic of carefully preserved historic images. Discover the stories of the people who have called Attleboro home, from the Native Americans who first inhabited the area to the settlers who arrived in the 19th century.
This book is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of Attleboro and the surrounding area. With its vivid photographs and captivating stories, Images of America: Attleboro is sure to be a treasured addition to any library.
Rail USA Museums & Trips Guide & Map Central States 429 Train Rides, Heritage Railroads, Historic Depots,...
Rail USA Museums & Trips Guide & Map Central States 429 Train Rides, Heritage Railroads, Historic Depots, Railroad & Troll... is the ultimate guide for railroad enthusiasts! This comprehensive and up-...to-date listing covers 429 attractions from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast. The guide includes information on rail museums, historic depots, scenic railroads, dinner trains, trolleys, model layouts, and train-watching locations. All of these attractions are located on detailed maps for easy travel planning.
The guide also features 16 brilliant original watercolor illustrations, and a directory that describes every point of interest, with street address, phone number and web site. The paper is printed on two sides, and is sized 27 x 39 inches when unfolded and 6 x 9-3/4 inches when folded.
The Rail USA Museums & Trips Guide & Map Central States 429 Train Rides, Heritage Railroads, Historic Depots, Railroad & Troll... covers the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Additionally, there is an Eastern States, Western States and National Edition set with all 3 Regional Maps together.
If you're a railroad enthusiast, this guide is a must-have! With detailed maps and comprehensive information, it will make your travels and explorations easier and more enjoyable.
Bradshaw's Continental Railway Guide (full edition) from Old House is a must-have for any railway enthusiast or historian. This full edition contains a detailed guide to the rail network of Europe in ...the early 20th century, just before the outbreak of the First World War.
The guide is based on the original Bradshaw's Handbook 1863, and has been updated to include the latest information on railway lines, timetables, and fares. It also contains a wealth of historical information, such as descriptions of routes and the countries they pass through, and details of the various types of rolling stock used at the time.
The guide is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of European railways and the impact of the First World War. It provides a fascinating insight into the rail network at a time of great upheaval, and is an essential reference for any railway enthusiast or historian.
The Trans-Canada Rail Guide is the perfect companion for the ultimate rail adventure. With its comprehensive coverage of the routes, maps and guides to 10 cities, it provides everything you need to pl...an and enjoy the journey of a lifetime.
The transcontinental railroad is one of the most scenic rail experiences in the world. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, it spans 6358km (3974 miles) and takes in some of North America’s most beautiful cities, as well as some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet, including the Rocky Mountains.
No matter what your budget is, the Trans-Canada Rail Guide has you covered with the best deals for rail tickets and accommodation. It also includes city guides and maps for 10 major stops along the route, plus a mile-by-mile route guide, so you can make the most of your journey.
The Trans-Canada Rail Guide also includes a fascinating history of the railway and how it helped to shape modern Canada. With its detailed coverage of the route, maps and guides to 10 cities, the Trans-Canada Rail Guide is the perfect companion for the ultimate rail adventure.
Riverview Amusement Park: Images of America is a captivating look back at one of Chicago's most iconic landmarks. Through an extensive collection of never-before published images, author Dolores Haugh... chronicles the tale of this impressive chapter of Chicago history. Every summer from 1904 to 1967, for 63 years, Riverview - the world's largest amusement park - opened its gates to millions of people from all walks of life. For three generations, the Schmidt's family park offered rides, shows, food, and music to men, women, and especially children.
Riverview Amusement Park tells the story of Riverview's growth from 22 acres and three rides to 140 acres and more than 100 attractions. Known as the "Roller Coaster Capital of America," Riverview remained a Chicago landmark until it was unexpectedly closed in 1967. This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to experience the magic of Riverview Amusement Park and its incredible history. From its opening in 1904 to its closure in 1967, readers will be taken on a journey through time and will be able to experience the joys and thrills of Riverview Amusement Park.
Filled with beautiful images, Riverview Amusement Park: Images of America is an unforgettable look back at this iconic Chicago landmark. Through its pages, readers will be able to experience the joys of Riverview Amusement Park and its incredible history.
Slow Trains Around Spain: A 3,000-Mile Adventure on 52 Rides is a unique travel experience that takes readers on a journey through Spain via 52 different train rides. Rail enthusiast Tom Chesshyre, au...thor of Slow Trains to Venice, Ticket to Ride and Tales from the Fast Trains, takes readers on a journey through the country, from hidden spots in Catalonia to the plains of Aragon, the north coast to Santiago de Compostela, Madrid, the wilds of Extremadura, dusty mining towns, the cathedrals and palaces of Valencia and Granada, and finally to Seville, Andalusia’s beguiling (and hot) capital.
Along the way, readers are treated to a variety of landscapes, from soaring mountains to arid deserts, parched plains and valleys of fruit orchards and olive groves, down glittering coastlines and along viaducts towering above plunging ravines. Chesshyre also includes stops in popular holiday spots like Benidorm and Torremolinos.
Throughout the journey, Chesshyre shares his encounters and mishaps, as well as his happy Spanish days. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to experience Spain in a unique way. So grab your ticket and get ready to explore the country on a series of clattering rides.
Asheville's River Arts District is a vibrant and historic part of the city. Located along the banks of the French Broad River, the district has a long and varied history. In the early days, the area w...as home to the Cherokee Nation, the estate of Asheville's first millionaire, James McConnell Smith, and the Southern Railroad Depot. It was also known as Asheville's first industrial district, and one of the area's most vibrant African American communities, which has since been decimated by urban renewal.
The River Arts District is now home to a variety of businesses, galleries, and studios, as well as a number of grassroots organizations such as RiverLink, Mountain Housing Opportunities, the West-End Clingman Avenue neighborhood, and the River District Artists. In 1989, Asheville's citizens developed a long-range revitalization plan for the city. As Asheville boomed in the early 1990s, the River Arts District lagged behind. In 1995, fire destroyed the district's most prominent landmark, the Asheville Cotton Mill, prompting a phoenix-like renaissance.
Today, the River Arts District is alive and well. The area has been transformed from an industrial wasteland to a thriving arts and culture hub. Visitors can explore the district's galleries, studios, and shops, as well as its many eateries and bars. The district is also home to a variety of festivals and events, such as the annual Goombay Festival, which celebrates the area's African American heritage.
The River Arts District is a vibrant and diverse part of Asheville. Whether you're looking to explore the district's galleries and studios, or just to soak up the atmosphere, the River Arts District is the perfect place to do it.
Underground Cities: Mapping the tunnels, transits and networks underneath our feet
Underground Cities: Mapping the Tunnels, Transits and Networks Underneath Our Feet is an incredible exploration into the depths of the city. With over 60 percent of the world’s population living in ...cities, the networks beneath our feet – which keep the cities above moving – are more important than ever before. Yet we never truly see how these amazing feats of engineering work.
This book provides a detailed look at the hidden networks of tunnels, sewers, bunkers and postal trains that run beneath our cities. Through specially commissioned cut-away illustrations and unique cartography, readers can explore what our cities look like from the bottom up. Drawing on geography, cartography and historical oddities, Mark Ovenden takes readers on a fascinating journey through the underground cities of the world.
From the depths of the London Underground to the secret bunkers of Berlin, readers can explore the hidden networks of the world’s cities. With in-depth descriptions of each city and its underground networks, readers can get an up-close look at the engineering feats that keep our cities running.
Underground Cities: Mapping the Tunnels, Transits and Networks Underneath Our Feet is an essential read for anyone interested in the hidden networks of the world’s cities. With detailed descriptions and unique illustrations, readers can explore the hidden depths of the cities they live in.
Paris to the Past: Traveling through French History by Train
If you are looking for a unique way to explore the history of France, look no further than Paris to the Past: Traveling through French History by Train. Written by Ina Caro, this guidebook invites rea...ders on twenty-five one-day train trips that depart from Paris and transport them back through seven hundred years of French history.
Each trip is carefully crafted to evoke the sights and sounds of a particular period in French history. Whether taking readers to Orléans to evoke the visions of Joan of Arc or to the Place de la Concorde to witness the beheading of Marie Antoinette, Caro animates history with her lush descriptions of architectural splendors and tales of court intrigue. These trips are further enhanced by the inclusion of six maps, which provide readers with a visual aid to follow along with the journey.
Paris to the Past is more than just a guidebook. It is an immersive experience that brings France’s rich past to life. With Caro’s vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, readers will feel as though they are traveling back in time. As Newsweek said, “I’d rather go to France with Ina Caro than with Henry Adams or Henry James.”
If you are looking for a unique and engaging way to explore the history of France, Paris to the Past is the perfect guidebook for you. With its vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, this guidebook will transport you back through seven hundred years of French history.
Indianapolis Union and Belt Railroads (Railroads Past and Present)
Indianapolis Union and Belt Railroads: Railroads Past and Present is a comprehensive look at the history of railroads in Indiana and their role in the growth of the state’s capital city. Featuring m...aps, illustrations, and ephemera, this book delves into the importance of two small railroad companies, the Indianapolis Union Railway and the Belt Railroad, in helping to shape the urban form of Indianapolis.
The book looks at how the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, established in 1847, kicked off a railroad and transportation boom in the Hoosier State. It examines how the two small railroads, the Indianapolis Union Railway and the Belt Railroad, helped to maximize the efficiency and value of the city’s railroad freight and passenger services and in helping to shape the urban form of Indianapolis. It also looks at how the railroads transformed Indianapolis into a major city and how they served as a model for other belt railroads.
This book is perfect for rail fans, Hoosier history buffs, architects, engineers, and anyone interested in learning about the history of railroads in Indiana and their impact on the state’s capital city. It is a must-read for anyone looking to better understand the history of railroads and their role in the development of the United States.
The Negro Motorist Green Book: Railroad Edition 1951 is a reprint of the 1951 railroad edition of the Green Book, a guidebook for African American road trippers during the Jim Crow era. This edition p...rovides information on travel on railroads, as opposed to motor vehicles.
The Green Book was created by Victor Hugo Green, an African American New York City mailman, in 1936 to provide a guide to services and places that were relatively friendly to African Americans. At the time, pervasive racial discrimination and poverty limited black car ownership, and African Americans who traveled by car faced a variety of dangers and inconveniences along the road, from refusal of food and lodging to arbitrary arrest.
In response, Green wrote his guide to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience for African Americans. The guide eventually expanded its coverage from the New York area to much of North America, and Green also founded a travel agency.
The 1951 Railroad Edition provided information on travel on railroads, as opposed to motor vehicles. This was important for African Americans who wanted to avoid segregation on public transportation. The guide provided information on which railroads were friendly to African Americans, as well as dining and sleeping car accommodations, ticket prices, and other information.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed the types of racial discrimination that had made the Green Book necessary, and publication ceased shortly after its passage. In the early 21st century, however, there has been a renewed interest in the Green Book as a way to study black travel during the Jim Crow era. The Negro Motorist Green Book: Railroad Edition 1951 is a reprint of the 1951 edition of the guide, providing an important resource for those interested in this period of history.
Set in the endless hills of central Pennsylvania, Tyrone became known as the gateway to the Alleghenies. The Little Juniata River flowed through it, connecting Tyrone to communities in the Logan, Ba...ld Eagle, and Juniata Valleys. Since its founding in 1851, Tyrone's central position also made it known as the "Hub of the Highways." Its advantageous location allowed the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to establish a railroad terminus to bring the riches of coal, iron, grain, and lumber to market. A newfound prosperity was attained, prompting outside investment. Tree-lined promenades and terraced lawns complemented the natural beauty of this community. Through vintage postcards, images, and photographs from famous Tyrone photographer R. K. Bonine, Tyrone chronicles the history of this charming community and the towns and villages that share its valleys. Read more
Railroad travel reference products in the history category are vital for anyone seeking to learn more about the history of railroads and take a trip back in time. These products come in different forms, ranging from books, documentaries, podcasts, and even guided tours. However, not all railroad travel reference products are created equal, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In this article, we will discuss valuable tips to consider when choosing railroad travel reference products.
Tip 1: Consider the author's expertise
The author of the railroad travel reference product must have extensive knowledge and expertise in the history of railroads. This means that they must have a credible background and educational qualifications in railroad history. When selecting a book or a documentary, ensure that the author has published other works within the genre and has received favorable reviews. Podcasts or guided tours may have industry insiders or railroad workers themselves as the hosts, so ensure that they have worked within the industry for an extended period.
Tip 2: Look for Detailed Coverage
Railroad travel reference products should have detailed coverage of their subject matter. In other words, they shouldn't just skim over the surface of railroad history; they should delve deep into the subject and provide incisive and detailed information. Books, documentaries, or podcasts should provide information about the most notable events in railroad history, such as the construction of key railroad lines, the development of rail transportation in different areas, and technological advancements that have helped improve railroad transportation.
Tip 3: Check the accuracy of the Information
Railroad history is often debated and can be controversial. When choosing a railroad travel reference product, it is essential to check the accuracy of the information provided within it. The best way to do this is to check the sources cited in the material. Look for products that provide a list of sources cited to ensure that the information provided is accurate.
Tip 4: Consider the Accessibility and Style
Railroad travel reference products are for everyone, from avid train enthusiasts to curious historians. Check whether the material is written in a style that is easy to understand and accessible to all. A product that is too technical might deter a casual reader. A good railroad history product should be engaging and informative while being accessible and easy to read or watch.
Conclusion
Choosing the best railroad travel reference product can be overwhelming without knowing what to look for. However, by considering the author's expertise, detailed coverage, accuracy of information, and ease of accessibility, you can find a product that will satisfy your curiosity about railroad history. Lastly, it is essential to remember that railroad history is about more than just trains and rails; it encompasses the social, economic, and political aspects of our history.