Although a basic form of railway, or rutway, did exist in Ancient Greek and Roman times-notably the ship trackway between Diolkos and the Isthmus of Corinth around 600 BC-it would take several thousand years before the first fare-paying passenger service was launched in the early nineteenth century. Some two hundred years on, it is possible to travel by train to some of the world's most remote and remarkable destinations, and track the many weird and wonderful legacies of the Earth's extensive history-man-made and otherwise. From prehistoric rock formations to skyscraper cities, slow steam engines to high-speed bullet trains, let A History of the World in 500 Railway Journeys be your guide. Through its beautifully illustrated pages, and 500 awe-inspiring railway journeys, you can chart your own transcontinental itinerary through time. Chug through canyons, steam past ancient monuments, speed through cities, luxuriate in the railcars of presidents and queens, or make express connections between key historical moments or epic eras-A History of the World in 500 Railway Journeys has it all. A must-read for travelers, railfans and history buffs alike, offering inspiration and information in equal measure. Each entry will: Lead you through the railway journey-the part it played in world history and what it is like today; Highlight each journey's very best bits-from specific points of historical interest to incredible views on the route; Explore each journey's cultural and geographical splendor; List the key details about each railway journey: how long, how many stops, how basic or luxurious; Help you plan your own railway journey through time.