An exhilarating narrative of the boldest project in Canadian history, the building of the transcontinental railroad. Berton, arguably the country's greatest historian, focuses on personalities and politics, drawing from a multitude of historical documents. The first of two parts, this book follows the railway from idea to the beginning of construction. Part two, "The Last Spike" (CND179), is also available.  (CND178, $24.95)