Rather than be a historian, Ambrose is a cheerleader for men who swindled workers, contractors, and the government for what he considers a greater purpose (namely the railroad) but I consider a horrible purpose-their pocketbook. It's pretty bad when the 20 minute animated Peanuts special on the same subject is more critical of the subject material than a book for adults. I like trains, I like history, particularly 19th Century American History, so I figured I would give this a try.
Subtitled (incorrectly) "The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869", I knew I was taking a risk reading an Ambrose book, but the subject was compelling to me. Once again, Ambrose has written a history that reads like a novel, and perhaps that's why other historians don't like him - people actually want to read what Ambrose has to say. This book entranced me with the details of how the west was conquered by the railroads, and I was even more taken with his description of the spirit of the men who did it. Before picking up this book, I had no interest in the history of the transcontinental railroad, but after only a couple of chapters, this book was a page turner. But Ambrose has been able to do something most historians fail to do - he brings history to life and this book was no exception. He has made a few errors along the way, and his writing style is less meticulous than many academics today which has drawn widespread rancor from his peers. As I have read more of his work, I agree that he doesn't sound like a trained historian, and I find that a good thing. There is a vocal contingent of people who like to criticize Stephen Ambrose for his methods and style, who don't consider him a true historian, despite his academic credentials.
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