Rail: The Records

In the Guinness tradition, this heavily illustrated history of railroads worldwide emphasizes superlatives. For example, the reader learns details about the ""first direct-drive turbine locomotive in the USA,'' ``the world's longest span concrete arch railway bridge,'' ``the world speed record for steam.'' Combined with Marshall's skill in explicating technical information, his approach makes accessible material that at first glance appears to be overly complicated. The scope is wide-ranging and includes chapters on the origins of railroads, mass transit, and accidents and runaway vehicles. Of superlative value to railroad enthusiasts. January