Middleton, the dean of American railroad historians and a civil engineer by trade, presents an illustrated guide to the great landmarks of civil engineering that have enabled American railroad builders to conquer vast distances, bridge great waterways, and cross rugged mountains to construct the network of steel rails that helped to settle and civilize the North American continent. In addition to examining bridges and viaducts, encompassing suspension, arch and cantilever truss design, tunnels, mountain crossings and passes, and docks, yards, and terminals, he presents capsule profiles (many with photographs) of 29 individuals who contributed to the evolution of civil engineering. Contains 249 archival and contemporary photographs and drawings, many from the author's private collection. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)