Ep 21 — Trains: Better than Planes and Cars. Fight Me.

In the 200 years since trains first started clattering on the rails, they dramatically changed industry and commerce — and inspired technological innovations that changed the world.

But we like them because they're romantic and comfortable, allow us to interact with other travelers, and are the most fun way to get out of town.

With the transcontinental railroads, far-flung destinations were connected for the first time. Entire continents were opened up to new trading opportunities, not to mention that people could travel farther and faster than they ever had before.

The world got a bit smaller, but also far grander, and a new era in travel was born. Luxury trains like the fabled Orient Express offered the curious and the posh opportunities to see the world in opulent comfort. No wonder there are so many great stories set aboard Pullman cars and steam engines.

In this episode, we briefly explore train history and discuss why train travel might just be the best mode of transportation. Then we share five books we love that capture the innovation and adventure of trains around the world.

Books that we discuss include:

• The Lady Vanishes by Ethel Lina White
• The Edge by Dick Francis
• The Train Book: The Definitive Visual History by DK Publishing
• The Woman on the Orient Express by Lindsay Jayne Ashford
• Nothing Like It In the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869 by Stephen E. Ambrose

For more on the books we recommend, plus the other cool stuff we talk about, visit show notes at http://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2020-12-14-trains

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