Engrossing… [Hiltzik is] an able narrator, with an eye for telling detail.” — New York Times Book Review on Iron Empires
"An accomplished journalist with a knack for storytelling, Mr Hiltzik delves into dense financial details to present an engaging read about the beginnings of America Inc." — The Economist on Iron Empires
“Hiltzik examines the rise and fall of the American railroad industry in this colorful, wide-ranging account… Hiltzik writes with verve, providing meaningful insights into the shocking inequalities of the Gilded Age. Business history buffs will be enthralled by this character-driven account.” — Publishers Weekly on Iron Empires
“Absorbing and expansive…. Beyond the sheer thrill of the story, Hiltzik’s delightful book is invaluable as a basis for reckoning how Big Science can persevere and evolve.” — Los Angeles Times on Big Science
“Masterly. In the grand tradition of David McCullough. [Hiltzik] fixes the endeavor in its time and captures the personalities of the people involved. May inspire in readers a longing for something...that will summon up once again America’s famous self-confidence and daring.” — Wall Street Journal on Colossus