@Lehigh74 posted:I found the tunnel construction as detailed in Triumph V to be very interesting so your post caught my eye. I came close to picking up a copy of Conquering Gotham , but a few of the reviews are not very flattering and said it was more about politics than engineering. What’s your take Chris? Does it include a good description of the engineering involved? Drawings, maps, photos, diagrams?
I've also read Conquering Gotham and highly recommend it.
It does have a good deal of politics in it, but I feel this is necessary to set up the stakes of why the tunnel and Penn Station made such an impact. While reading political history is not my cup-of-tea, the politics discussed are relevant to the topic and easy to read through. Most of the political parts aren't actual politics, but rather "back door politics" - think paying off this group, winning favors with another, etc. etc.
In terms of engineering, it provides an excellent narrative of the challenges in both designing and constructing the tunnels.
It is worth the read, Jill Jonnes is an excellent author (I have also read Empire of Lights by her as well which covers Edison, Tesla, and the details behind the "current war". Best book I've ever read on the subject)
If you don't want to spend the money, try your local library. Mine has a copies of Conquering Gotham, Triumph II & III, and other RR titles that cover specific topics. Most can be found in reference rooms/ in section 385 (Dewey Decimal number for RR Transportation).
