The demise of the Pacific Electric railway passenger service in the 1950's has resulted in the publication of dozens of books about its history and equipment. None of the histories have provided great detail about the reasons why the railroad was built, the conflicting personalities both inside and outside the company and the territorial fight between it and its competitors.
As he explains the arrival of each railroad and the men behind them, Paul Smedley provides us with the background to understand the fighting that resulted.
This book is enhanced by a very creative layout. Each page includes reproductions of photos, newspaper items and maps that very much add to the ease of reading this monumental publication.
