Best History of Railroads Books of 2025

The Peking Express is a thrilling true story set in China's republican era about train-robbing revolutionaries and passengers who got more than they paid for. The book is a Murder on the Orient Express-style adventure that tells the incredible true story of a clash that shocked the world and set the course for China's two-decade civil war. The author has done an amazing amount of research, and the book is brilliantly written with new and original research. The use of quoted speech, all of it sourced from memoirs and newspaper reports, makes the human voice heard often and to good effect. Overall, The Peking Express is a fascinating and impressive work that is unique in its genre.

New York Times bestselling author and journalist Anderson Cooper teams with New York Times bestselling historian and novelist Katherine Howe to chronicle the rise and fall of a legendary American dynasty—his mother’s family, the Vanderbilts.One of the Washington Post's Notable Works of Nonfiction of 2021When eleven-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt began to work on his father’s small boat ferrying supplies in New York Harbor at the beginning of the nineteenth century, no one could have imagined that one day he would, through ruthlessness, cunning, and a pathological desire for money, build two empires—one in shipping and another in railroads—that would make him the richest man in America. His staggering fortune was fought over by his heirs after his death in 1877, sowing familial discord that would never fully heal. Though his son Billy doubled the money left by “the Commodore,” subsequent generations competed to find new and ever more extraordinary ways of spending it. By 2018, when the last Vanderbilt was forced out of The Breakers—the seventy-room summer estate in Newport, Rhode Island, that Cornelius’s grandson and namesake had built—the family would have been unrecognizable to the tycoon who started it all.Now, the Commodore’s great-great-great-grandson Anderson Cooper, joins with historian Katherine Howe to explore the story of his legendary family and their outsized influence. Cooper and Howe breathe life into the ancestors who built the family’s empire, basked in the Commodore’s wealth, hosted lavish galas, and became synonymous with unfettered American capitalism and high society. Moving from the hardscrabble wharves of old Manhattan to the lavish drawing rooms of Gilded Age Fifth Avenue, from the ornate summer palaces of Newport to the courts of Europe, and all the way to modern-day New York, Cooper and Howe wryly recount the triumphs and tragedies of an American dynasty unlike any other.Written with a unique insider’s viewpoint, this is a rollicking, quintessentially American history as remarkable as the family it so vividly captures.

Last Train to Paradise by Les Standiford is an enthralling true account of the construction and destruction of the Key West Railroad, one of the greatest engineering feats of the Gilded Age. The book narrates the story of Henry Flagler's ambitious dream to build a railway connecting the island of Key West to the Florida mainland, crossing a staggering 153 miles of open ocean. The project was considered impossible, but the railroad stood as a magnificent achievement for more than twenty-two years before its total destruction in 1935's deadly storm. The book is a gripping tale of human ingenuity colliding with the even greater forces of nature’s wrath.

This visually stunning book, Train: The Definitive Visual History by DK Eyewitness, is a must-have for anyone interested in trains and locomotives. Filled with breathtaking photographs, it covers the development of trains from steam to diesel and electric engines, highlighting iconic trains such as the Palace on Wheels and the Orient Express. The book also delves into the history of railways and the pioneers of train and track. From the Union-Pacific Railroad to the Trans-Siberian Railway, Train profiles the best-loved railways and rail journeys of all time. Overall, Train is a fascinating read that not only informs but also entertains readers of all ages.

The Train Book is a stunning visual tribute to the evolution of train travel, featuring iconic locomotives and epic rail routes from around the world. From the steam locomotives of the 19th century to the high-speed bullet trains of today, this book takes readers on an unforgettable journey through time and space. With its informative and engaging text, as well as its breathtaking photographs and illustrations, The Train Book is a must-read for train-spotters and transport enthusiasts everywhere. DK's unique design approach and reputation for innovation make this book a standout in the history of railroads books.

Walk through Fire: The Train Disaster that Changed America by Dr. Yasmine S. Ali is a tribute to the first responders and a comprehensive examination of the rarely-acknowledged Waverly Train Disaster of 1978. The catastrophic accident that changed America forever led to the formation of FEMA and the reshaping of American infrastructure. Drawing from meticulous research and interviews with survivors, first responders, and other firsthand accounts, Ali weaves a compelling narrative of small-town tragedy set against the broader backdrop of U.S. railroad history, rural healthcare, and other elements of American infrastructure that played a part in the creation—and the aftermath—of the Disaster. Walk through Fire is an important and well-written book that deserves to be read.

Nothing Like It In the World by Stephen Ambrose is a captivating account of the building of the transcontinental railroad, from the visionaries who financed it to the workers who risked their lives to make it a reality. Ambrose brings to life the story of an unprecedented feat of engineering, courage, and determination, highlighting the efforts of the Irish and Chinese immigrants, defeated Confederate soldiers, and laborers who did the backbreaking work on the tracks. This New York Times bestseller is a must-read for anyone interested in U.S. immigrant history and the incredible achievements of American ingenuity.

The ninth edition of Bradt's USA by Rail guidebook is a must-have for anyone planning to travel extensively by train across North America. The book has been fully revised and expanded to include over 500 destinations, 25 long-distance train journeys across the United States, and 12 in Canada. It also features accommodation options from budget to luxury, maps, route plans, and photographs, making it the perfect companion for a successful trip. The book's unique selling point is its comprehensive coverage of North American railroads' history, current steam train operators, tourist railways, and museums. Overall, an excellent publication that is essential reading for anyone traveling by rail in North America.

Rail-Trails Pennsylvania: The definitive guide to the state's top multiuse trails is a comprehensive guidebook that showcases 72 of the best rail-trails and multiuse pathways across Pennsylvania. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to converting former railroad corridors to public, multiuse recreational trails, presents the best of these trails with detailed maps, driving directions, and quick, at-a-glance icons indicating which activities each trail can accommodate. Whether you're a runner, hiker, biker, skater, wheelchair user, or equestrian, you'll discover a variety of multiuse trails that suit your needs. This guidebook is an excellent resource for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone looking for a new adventure.

Union Pacific's Big Boys: The complete story from history to restoration is a must-read for history buffs and railroad enthusiasts. This 224-page book provides a comprehensive overview of the 25 iconic 4-8-8-4 steam locomotives, including their development, usage, and retirement. What makes this book stand out is its in-depth coverage of the restoration of No. 4014, from its discovery in a park to its cross-country tour in 2019. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any railroad enthusiast's collection.