Empire Express: Building the First Transcontinental Railroad by BAIN, David Haward - 1999

New York: Viking Penguin. Near Fine in Near Fine dust jacket. 1999. First Edition. Hardcover. 067080889X . A signed first printing of David Haward Bain's monumental description of the construction of America's transcontinental railroad, which was completed in 1869. The author goes into great detail regarding the feats of engineering and logistics necessary to complete this link, which had such an important impact on the future growth of the United States. With an emphasis on the workers, entrepreneurs and engineers who actually built the two railroads: the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific. With a lengthy section of plates at mid-volume bearing photos of leading figures and construction scenes from Nebraska to California. Also with 8 maps and extensive endnotes and index. --- In tan and black paper-covered boards with gilt-stamped spine titling. Jacket features a locomotive and crew posing at a tunnel exit. --- A very nice copy: clean, newish and tightly bound but with creasing to a leaf near back of book. Bright, unclipped jacket with "Autographed Copy" sticker to front panel (which is somewhat rubbed), otherwise in excellent shape and protected in clear removable mylar wrapper.; Tall Octavo - 9 to 10 in. tall; xvii, 797 pages; Signed by Author .