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Nothing Like It In The World

The Men Who Built The Transcontinental Railroad 1863 - 1869

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About this listen

 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. Engineering Military Railroad
All stars
Most relevant
Great history, told at great pace.
The author never attempts to hide his admiration for his subjects and this book is no exception. Their achievement leaves you breathless and S E Ambrose tells the story with pace and detail.
Well written, well read.

Fascinating, well told.

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As my title suggests, this is my new, favourite audiobook. I've always had an interest in the events at Promontory and I found this book fascinating. It's very detailed - there's a lot about the lobbying and politics that went on before construction even began, so if you're after a shorter book, I'd suggest Iron Rails & Iron Men, also a great book, but a lot shorter and right to the point.

I don't know if I have a different version to some other listeners, but I thought the narrator was very good. Quietly spoken yes, but not boring at all, like some are suggesting. There are some extremely long pauses between chapters, of which I'm not sure why. Sometimes it feels like you're waiting 30 seconds for the next one when you just want to listen. All in all, I think it's a great audiobook.

My new favourite Audiobook

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