[AnarchoSocialist]

Since I know many people on this forum are well read it seemed a good place to see if anyone has any good recommendations for books on passenger rail transportation. In particular I am interested in books on passenger rail in Canada in recent years. But recommendations on books covering technical aspects of passenger rail, or books on modern systems in other countries would also be helpful. I am not overly interested in coffee table books and the more detailed, more academic, and more in depth the book is, the better.

I also noticed on a search on Amazon a book coming out soon called "VIA Rail" by Chris Greenlaw (click here for link to Amazon). I am curious if anyone has heard anything about the book or had a chance perhaps to take a look at it? By the description it seems to be a mix of photos and illustrations as well as text on the history of VIA, which makes me wonder if this is nothing more than a coffee table book or if it might have some depth too it.

 

[unimaginative2]

It sounds like a bit of an official corporate history. I doubt it's a very opinionated book.

I just finished reading Madelaine Drohan's book "Making a Killing" about the use of force by corporations doing business in Africa. It was quite good and it's a quick read. She's now the Economist's Canadian correspondent, so she's doing quite well for herself.

 

[AnarchoSocialist]

After writing that I also noticed on the image of the title page there is band with "MRI Railroad Color History" suggesting it is probably just one of a series of coffeetable style books.

I am actually somewhat surprised at how hard it is too find really good books and information on the subject. So much of what is written is really trivial. And anything worthwhile I have a feeling is going to take time to find and acquire.

Edit: I have actually heard a number of positive review on that book. It is on my list so I will hopefully get around to it sometime during the summer.