Book excerpt: The American train journey has always had a strong hold on the imagination. Ever-changing landscapes pass by on the other side of the glass, from the primeval-looking Joshua trees of the Mojave Desert and the saw-toothed peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the pounding surf of the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. And in these ecologically-conscious times, rail travel offers a peace of mind that cannot be matched by a stressful domestic flight.Now in its eighth edition, this book covers all the major routes across the United States and Canada. Perfect for the well-planned traveller and the whimsical day-dreamer alike, it contains both practical information and background on the places that you'll see. Whatever the route, sit back, relax and watch a breathtaking continent unfold.37 long distance routes in the USA and CanadaSightseeing highlights for 38 major citiesAccommodation - cheap to chicArea maps and detailed route plansHistory of trains in North AmericaInformation about steam railways and museums