Rival rails: the race to build America's best transcontinental railroad, by Walter Borneman

I was hoping to learn a little more about the history of railroads in the US, and the practical challenges inherent in building a rail network at the time. This book provided some of that, but focused more on business and political aspects instead. Maybe this is for more serious enthusiasts. Unfortunately, I'm not so hardcore.
If you want a depressing reminder of the tradition of politics yielding to business interests, or the sweeping greed and egomania of business tycoons, this might be the book for you.
Audio: 15 hours
Print: 432 pages