Christopher McGowan (3)

Rails, Steam, and Speed is a history of the Rainhill Trials and the events that preceded this “contest”. The Rainhill Trials were a watershed moment in the history of technology and particularly in the history of railroading. Railroads had been in existence for some time and steam engines, both locomotion and fixed, had been employed on them , on and off, for over 15 years. The question that was examined and settled at Rainhill was this: Could a steam locomotive be made fast enough, powerful enough, and demonstrate the reliability and economy needed for regular railway service?

McGowan’s history covers both the technical and social aspects of the trial. His skillful interweaving of the technical, social, and political aspects of the trail simultaneously informs and entertains the reader. The end result is an understanding of the Trials that goes well beyond the mere technical facts of the merits and shortcomings of the various entrants. It is for this reason that I’ve classed the book as history, railroad history, and history of technology and I would recommend it to anyone interested in any of these areas. See Common Knowledge for an example of the writing style. (Text Length - 316 pages, Total Length - 380 pages, includes index.)… (more)

It's an interesting book and it does cover the "birth of commercial rail" as well as the Rainhill Trials.

I have to say, though, that I found it rather unfocused, as if the author was just trying to find a hook on which to hang as much random information as possible about the earliest days of steam railways. Interesting information, but it could have been better packaged.

He gives one of the clearest concise explanations I have yet seen of the difference between an atmospheric engine and a true steam engine and notes that many of the early beam engines which are usually described as "steam engines" are in fact atmospheric engines.… (more)