How the Railways Will Fix the Future
Rediscovering the Essential Brilliance of the Iron Road
by Gareth Dennis
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Pub Date Nov 19 2024 | Archive Date Not set
Repeater Books | Repeater
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Description
The world's railways were almost entirely created by capital and empire for extraction and exploitation, so what right do they have to exist and how can they be harnessed for good? Railway engineer and writer Gareth Dennis builds a case not simply for railways as a common good, but argues that railways are a critical tool for humanity to survive and thrive.
Whether it's the power of organised labour, the threats and opportunities of new technology, the distribution of democratic power or the calamitous impacts of climate change, railways can act as a lens through which to understand the future and the part they can play in it.
Dennis takes us across the globe, from Virgin Hyperloop's abandoned test track in the Nevada desert to the overcrowded stations of the North of England, exploring how railways can shape and inform choices about our future, and in turn detailing how taking a long-term view can help shape transport for the better. With his deep knowledge of railways and his unique view of history and politics, he equips us with the tools to answer those imperative questions: what and who should our railways be for?
Advance Praise
"19th Century railway engineers shaped our lives and landscapes. Now, a 21st Century railway engineer thinks big - and thinks ahead. With confidence, GD explodes myths, explores facts and proposes some brilliant ideas. Like the two strips of steel which unite us, they might just be the route to a future so many of us seek."
- Tim Dunn, railway historian and broadcaster
"Rail has a storied past, playing a central role in the Industrial Age. This book makes a powerful case that it should be the future too. A world that is sustainable, and beautiful, will have rail at its heart. Dennis explains why."
- Aaron Bastani, co-founder of Novara Media and writer of Fully Automated Luxury Communism
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781915672483 |
PRICE | $14.95 (USD) |
PAGES | 288 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
For anyone doubting the power of railways, this book makes a strong case for why fixing them is essential to addressing today’s biggest challenges. Railway enthusiasts will appreciate the thorough coverage of the history and global workings of railways, making it perfect for readers seeking a clear overview of railway policy.