Book excerpt: "The Golden Horse by Juan David Morgan is a sweeping saga, painting a vivid, personal portrayal of the events that transpired as a result of the rivalry between New York shipping magnates, William Aspinwall and Cornelius Vanderbilt, and the enormous personal cost that was borne by the people involved in the construction of the Panama Railroad-- the first transcontinental train in the Americas-- built during the California Gold Rush. Thousands of people died during the construction, succumbing to tropical diseases and natural disasters. Despite the danger, the lust of gold fever and the challenge of conquering the wilderness drove the men through the perils of torturous journeys, cutthroat competition, ruthless outlaws, savage jungles, the ferocious extremes of the tropical frontier, and violent cultural clashes, but not without the thrill of romantic adventures, the wonder of human inventiveness, and rugged determination to succeed."--Amazon.com