Nothing Like it In The World

The Men Who Built The Transcontinental Railroad 1863 - 1869

By: Stephen E. Ambrose

Narrated by: Jeffrey DeMunn

In this New York Times bestseller, Stephen Ambrose brings to life the story of the building of the transcontinental railroad, from the men who financed it to the engineers and surveyors who risked their lives to the workers who signed on for the dangerous job.

Nothing Like It in the World gives the account of an unprecedented feat of engineering, vision, and courage. It is the story of the men who built the transcontinental railroad—the investors who risked their businesses and money; the enlightened politicians who understood its importance; the engineers and surveyors who risked, and sometimes lost, their lives; and the Irish and Chinese immigrants, the defeated Confederate soldiers, and the other laborers who did the backbreaking and dangerous work on the tracks.

The U.S. government pitted two companies—the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific Railroads—against each other in a race for funding, encouraging speed over caution. Locomotives, rails, and spikes were shipped from the East through Panama or around South America to the West or lugged across the country to the Plains. In Ambrose's hands, this enterprise, with its huge expenditure of brainpower, muscle, and sweat, comes vibrantly to life.

Interesting read for lovers of the Railroad

Although I felt it was hard to track every detail and I did find the author biased against the I Diana for not including the reason why they behaved the way they did, it was nonetheless fascinating and informative.

Nothing like it in the world

Great subject and we learned quite a bit but the names and dates were really hard to follow and I didn't care for the way it was read.

Fascinating account...with a caveat

Very good narrator, but often cringeworthy, dismissive history-telling with regards to the REST of the people involved. i.e. Natives "thought they were entitled to land", and author's use of "Chinamen" for the Chinese workers.

New and interesting facts in every chapter

What made the experience of listening to Nothing Like It in the World the most enjoyable?

Lot's of new historical info

What did you like best about this story?

The blending of the actual construction with the backroom stories and determination of the stockholders to keep the project going

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No . . . but was a great ride along companion for a man who drives 40k a year

Any additional comments?

Amazed by the tenacity exhibited in building the railroad against all odds