Strom, who is assistant professor of history at North Dakota State University in Fargo, narrates the role of the railroad company in the economic development of the western US under owner James Hill (1838-1916). She dispels the Great White Man and Triumphant Technology myths by detailing the negotiations and compromises both with settlers on the frontier and with financiers and others back east. This is a reprint of a 2003 book. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)