Book excerpt: "This book is the first comprehensive account of the former British-owned broad, standard and metre gauge railways in Argentina. It traces the growth of these railways for the earliest beginnings in 1860 until they were nationalized in 1948. At their height, British Railways in Argentina represented one of the largest investments of British capital in a foreign country, about 55 billion pounds in today's values. At the end of the 19th century, they accounted for 81% of the total railway mileage in Argentina and even by 1948 after a significant expansion of State owned railroads, still accounted for 57% of the total. This book provides a clear and detailed survey of the 17 British companies that were originally involved and their gradual amalgamation and co-ordination. The book is not intended to be a complete treatise on this subject but it provides an excellent introduction and survey of the field and it is hoped that it will stimulate further research by other historians. Covers early pioneers, locomotives and rolling stock, permanent way, bridges and tunnels, signaling, telegraphs and telephone train control, as well as brief discussion of each of the railways. Illustrated with black and white photos, diagrams and charts. With maps, rosters, list of officers, list of ocean-going ships connected to the railways, station maps, gradient profile, and bibliography." --Descripción del editor.