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9780804723572 Academic Inspection Copy

Erie Lackawanna

The Death of an American Railroad, 1938-1992
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This book examines the history of one of America's most famous railroads, the Erie, and its successor after 1960, the Erie Lackawanna. It covers the period between the Erie's fourth bankruptcy in the late 1930s, and its final liquidation in 1976. The story of this innovative transport company mirrors much of what was happening in American railroading during that time: technological change, governmental over-regulation, model competition, corporate mergers, union 'featherbedding', and uneven executive leadership. The challenges faced by the Erie became increasingly complex and ultimately led to financial collapse. Deciding not to reorganise for the fifth time, the Erie Lackawanna turned over most of its rail operations in 1976 to the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail). Those assets not transferred to Conrail became part of the 'Estate'. This entity sold the remains of the railroad, producing one of the most successful business liquidations in American history.
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.
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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 "The definitive history of the Erie Lackawanna." - Library Journal "Not merely a pleasure to read, this is an outstanding study of the railroad industry. ... Grant clearly describes the realities within which railroads operate and to which they must respond." - Choice
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