Rock Island Requiem: The Collapse of a Mighty Fine Line by Schneider, Gregory L - 2013

Lawrence, Kansas, USA: University Press of Kansas, 2013. Book. Very Good. Hardcover. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. The book and jacket are in very good condition, little shelf rubbing apparent. Text and images inside appear clean and clear throughout. 'Schneider weaves a complex story of how business, politics, government bureaucracy, and individual greed helped to limit the economic possibilities of the railroad industry and catapult the Rock Island Railroad into oblivion. Weakened by a troubled economy, the Rock fell victim to inept management and labor union intransigence; but Schneider also reveals how government regulations and price controls prevented innovation, hindered capital acquisition, and favored other forms of transportation that lie beyond the scope of regulation. Railroads were even hurt by taxation of property and real estate while competitors were able to use government-subsidized highways and airports without having to pay taxes to fund them. Now that America has gone on to witness the collapse of such mammoth firms as Enron and Lehman Brothers, not to mention the bankruptcy and bailout of General Motors, the story of the Rock provides an instructive lesson in how a major American enterprise was allowed to fall victim to forces often beyond its control-while the bailout of the Penn Central, at the expense of smaller lines like Rock Island, helped initiate the era of "too big to fail." For economic historians and railroad buffs alike, Rock Island Requiem is a well-researched and informative work-and a mighty good read.' xviii+380 pages. 6.4 x 9.5 inches. May require additional postage. This listing was made by a small independent book shop. We carefully inspect every single book we list and give accurate descriptions. If you require we will promptly send pictures of listed books upon request .