Questions About Nothing Like It in the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-69

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Answered Questions (1)

I love Stephen Ambrose, and I'm fascinated by this period of history, but I just couldn't do it! Does anyone understand what I mean?

Colin Wood If what you mean is that you started this book and couldn't finish it because his writing was so repetitive, then, yes. I know what you mean.

I'd also …moreIf what you mean is that you started this book and couldn't finish it because his writing was so repetitive, then, yes. I know what you mean.

I'd also add that I read Citizen Soldiers in college and enjoyed it. And of course loved the TV Band of Brothers. But I just couldn't deal with his writing here.

Further, he gets some of the facts wrong. E.g. Chinese workers were not lowered in baskets to work on China Wall around Cape Horn in the Sierra Foothills. They were just belayed down with ropes around their waists. Common misconception that I would've hoped Ambrose would have gotten straight.(less)

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Unanswered Questions (3)

I'm listening to it through Audible and I'm loving it. Maybe it's because I have been to a lot of the places the book talks about and have taken the train west from Denver to Sacramento? Also, watch Hell on Wheels.

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Good read. Lots of facts and stories repeated in different contexts to give different points of view ... actually helped with understanding the history. Does that detract or add to the value of the book?

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What kind of steam trains were used during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad? (Central Pacific and Union Pacific.)

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