Railroaded

In this engaging exploration of the late 19th-century transcontinental railroads, Richard White details how these corporate giants influenced the American landscape and economy. Their efforts to profit from accumulating debt led to economic panics and political corruption, while their operations transformed societal norms and spaces. Challenging the romanticized narratives of this era, White presents a nuanced view of the Gilded Age, revealing the significant failures alongside its successes, all with a darkly humorous touch.