Train stations of the world From spectacular metropolises to provincial towns

Retired journalist Weltner writes a historical overview of train stations on five continents. Nearly 200 years ago, England built the first passenger train station at Darlington, connecting that city with Stockton, about 12 miles away. Since that time, other cities have built utilitarian and magnificent stations that allowed train travel to flourish. Weltner's book covers stations in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, and the Americas, with emphasis on England, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Canada, China, and Japan. The U.S. is represented by New York City, Chicago, the District of Columbia, and San Diego. The book includes handsome black-and-white and color photographs, detailed captions, and a helpful introduction explaining terminal stations, junctions, and railroad networks. VERDICT Train enthusiasts will appreciate the breadth of this work but may yearn for greater depth.--Elizabeth Connor