Book excerpt: Following one of the most scenic routes in the country, the Clinchfield Railroad penetrates the most rugged mountain barriers in the eastern United States. Much has been written about the Clinchfield, but this volume by a retired chief engineer of the railroad fills a unique niche. He places a special emphasis on what was built, when it was built, and who did the building, including a brief biography of George L. Carter, the driving force that put it all together. Filled with photographs, maps, schedules. copies of letters, diagrams and other documents, this is a valuable source of information for researchers and rail enthusiasts.