Erie Lackawanna: The Death of an American Railroad, 1938-1992 - Paperback

by H. Roger Grant (Author)

This 50-year saga of the "Weary Erie" describes in vivid detail the turbulent last decades of a colorful, spunky, and innovative railroad. It also tells us much about what happened to American railroading, during this period: technological change, governmental over-regulation, corporate mergers, union "featherbedding," uneven executive leadership, and changing patterns of travel and business. The book is illustrated with 45 photographs and drawings and 4 maps.

Back Jacket

This important work is based on a mass of new material uncovered by the author, notably extensive oral histories. He skillfully integrates this new information into the story of the Erie Lackawanna's lingering death, filling in a good many gaps and bringing the importance of personalities in the corporate world into play. In the process, he explains the plight of all eastern railroads. Since Grant writes with clarity and flow, the book is a 'good read.'"--James A. Ward, University of Tennessee
"Written in a style that pulls the reader along like a Tom Clancy novel, this book offers a management-level view of the failed struggles of two major railroads to survive. Because this was such a crucial era in American railroading, Grant's account offers a useful vantage point from which to view all North American railroads during that period. . . . This is an account that pulls no punches."--Railfan and Railroad

Author Biography

H.Roger Grant is Professor of History at the University of Akron. He is the author of several books on American history and railroad industry, including, The Corn Belt Route: A History of the Chicago Great Western Railroad Company and We Took the Train.