Blood, Iron & Gold
How the Railways Transformed the World
By Christian Wolmar ISIS Large Print, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7531-5250-8
Genre: History
Reviewed by Herbert White - November 28, 2011
For both Train enthusiasts and historians alike, Blood, Iron & Gold presents a readable and compelling overview of the history of railroading and the impact that the railroads have had on societies around the world. This is not a comprehensive survey of the railroads, rather a general overview that provides the readers with a solid foundation upon which to pursue this fascinating subject in greater detail.
Blood, Iron & Gold was written by Christian Wolmar, who also authored Fire & Steam, which provided an edifying overview of the history of Britain's 175-year railroad system. In this new volume, rather than focusing on one specific region, Wolmar has taken a global approach by providing a glimpse into the development, implementation, and impact of railways in such far reaching areas as Britain, Europe, India, China, Africa, South America, Russia, Panama, and the United States, with the main focus being on the railways in India, America, and Russia (in particular the Trans-Siberian railway).
In writing this book, Wolmar has taken a chronological approach to the study of railroads, beginning with a look at the early history of railways and the opening of the first rail line in Britain, and continuing on through the decline, and current resurgence of railways. Other chapters in this book look at the development of railroading in Europe and the political and economic impact of the railways, and how and why India's railway system was based on the British model, as were the systems in Ireland and Australia. Wolmar looks at the role that the establishment of the railroad had on national development and helping various countries forge a national identity. He examines how the railroads helped to open up - for immigration and economic development many physically large countries such as the United States. He also looks at the role that railways have played in times of war, including the American Civil War, World War I, and World War II.
Along the way, Wolmar provides a glimpse into the social history of railways - such as what it was/is like to travel by train, the changes that occurred in isolated communities when rail lines where laid, and the technological advances that have made train travel more comfortable and faster. The book concludes with a detailed bibliography and endnotes, both of which provide much fodder for anyone interested in exploring the history of railways in greater detail.
This is an eye opening and informative book that looks at an oft overlooked aspect of world history. This is not a book of 'nostalgia' that waxes lyrical about the heyday of the railroads. Rather it is a popular history of the subject, and it shows in no uncertain terms that the coming of the railways almost always led to an economic boom and at times, a drastic change in lifestyle for the people impacted by these changes. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in railroading or the history of the world's railways.
Blood, Iron & Gold can be purchased directly from Ulverscroft, the parent company of ISIS Large Print.
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