Most North American railroads began their lives as local or regional enterprises, growing larger through acquisition and construction. By contrast, Canadian Pacific Railway was conceived as a transcontinental railroad from the beginning. CPR has not only provided transportation;it has given tangible expression to the political, economic, and social connections between Canada's eastern and western provinces.
In this marvelously illustrated history, author Tom Murray provides readers with an engaging look at the railroad whose own history is, in many ways, the history of Canada itself. In addition to examining the prehistory leading to CPR's incorporation in 1881 and its current status as one of the continent's leading carriers, Murray explains the colossal geographic obstacles overcome by CPR's founders; motive power and rolling stock through depression, war, and peacetime; renowned diversification efforts that included a passenger ship line, an airline serving four continents, a chain of four-star hotels, and western mining operations; and the colorful cast of characters who laid the groundwork that made CPR what is today.
Marvelous photography carefully chosen from the collections of top rail photographers and archives across Canada and the United States illustrate the national icon that began as a railway, became a global transportation system, and evolved into a diversified industrial conglomerate before settling into its role as the respected carrier it is today.
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About the Author
Tom Murray has worked in the rail industry since 1970 with the Boston & Maine, Soo Line, CSX, and Southern Pacific. He has also worked as a transportation consultant and is a regular contributor to Trains magazine. The author of five railroad books, he lives in Santa Maria, California.
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Good overview of a great RR and a Canadian institution
Feb 21 2009
By J. W. Herris
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a good overview of a great railroad and a Canadian institution. The CP was more than just a railroad; it had hotels, ships, etc., and these are mentioned during discussion of this company, although the focus is primarily on the railroad. The photography is wonderful and makes the book. Too bad there wasn't more room for more specialized information on the locomotives and cars, but many are shown in the excellent photos. A good overview and first reference on the CP.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Overview of a Great Railroad
Jun 14 2012
By Mark Carolla
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
Like most books in this series from this publisher this book is an excellent overview of a major railroad. Like most books in this series I found it a bit lacking in maps for my - there are about three or four of parts of the system that are not very detailed. Otherwise, the graphics of photo reproduction are excellent. A strength of this and other books in this series is that they are not the usual dry academic corporate histories that some university presses put out but describe the dynamics and operations of a railroad in its historical and contemporary context. As this is a book about the Candian Pacific Railwayjust enough is provided about Canadian Pacific's hotel, airline and ocean liner operations to put this gem of Canada's history into proper perspective. Easily worth 5 stars.
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