The Baldwin Locomotive Works, 1831-1915: A Study in American Industrial Practice (Studies in Industry and Society, 8)

Winner of the Hilton Book Award from the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society

The largest maker of heavy machinery in Gilded Age America and an important global exporter, the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia achieved renown as one of the nation's most successful and important firms. Relying on gifted designers and skilled craftsmen, Baldwin built thousands of standard and custom steam locomotives, ranging from narrow gauge 0-4-0 industrial engines to huge mallet compounds. John K. Brown analyzes the structure of railroad demand; the forces driving continual innovation in locomotive design; Baldwin's management systems, shop-floor skills, and career paths; and the evolution of production methods.

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Has a place in the library of any thoughtful railfan . . . Brown delivers an insightful account of the machinery, tools, and operations of making locomotives . . . The parts-drawings in the book . . . are marvelous.
-- Railroad History Bulletin

A remarkable history of the Philadelphia firm that built 'roughly one-third of all the steam locomotives ever constructed in America.'.
-- Journal of American History

This engaging portrait of the world's preeminent builder of locomotives adds considerably to our knowledge of the variety of industrial enterprise in America. Brown's research is exhaustive and his arguments are clear and well constructed. Likewise, the press and editors are to be commended for the lavish illustrations that nicely complement the text.
-- Ken Fones-Wolf, Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography

An exemplary volume that should join the essential works detailing the anatomy of late-nineteenth-century production.
-- Steven W. Usselman, Journal of Economic History ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John K. Brown is the author of The Baldwin Locomotive Works, 1831-1915: A Study in American Industrial Practice. He taught history, applied ethics, and writing in the Department of Science, Technology, and Society at the University of Virginia. Read more Continue reading Read less