The Metro in France, the Underground in London, the Subway in America, riding the rails beneath a bustling city is the norm for millions around the world but there was a time when such an idea would have been laughed at. But sometimes it takes just one idea, to get things rolling… New York…the greatest city on earth! In 1860 it may have been the greatest city on earth but it wasn’t without its problems. The streets were crowded, dirty and disgusting. Pushcarts and wagons, stagecoaches and buggies, animals and pedestrians all fought for space on the garbage-strewn cobblestone streets. Something had to be done. Everyone had an idea but nothing ever changed.That was until Alfred Ely Beach had an idea of his own…a train that travelled underground with no traffic, trash or weather to worry about. Was such a crazy idea the solution to New York’s busy streets… Uncover the fascinating, little-known and remarkable true story of one man and his bold vision as he flew under the radar, and quite literally under the streets of New York, to bring his vision of a miniature subway line to life. This is a captivating historical picture book that captures a unique moment in history and pays homage to an ahead of its time idea to solve New York’s congestion problem. STEM, history, secrets, can-do-attitude and good old skulduggery are all in action as a secret project that was disguised as an underground mail system happened from the basement of a clothing store. Despite Beach’s finished tunnel only measuring eight feet across and just under three-hundred feet long, it is a marvellous feat of engineering and human endeavour. In fifty-eight days, Beach and his team had built the first underground transportation system. The problem of how to transport New Yorkers across the city had been solved but things never progressed as perhaps they should have and Beach’s story is tinged with sadness. A sensation yes, but only for a short time. His years of hard work resulted in a few months of fan fare and success and then his idea would fall into the abyss and be completely forgotten about. Beach’s train would be derailed by (un)officials and politics and his underground marvel would be forgotten about until the subway system we know today was built almost fifty years later. A detailed author’s note offers more information about Alfred Ely Beach and the opening of the first offical subway line in 1904.
Shana Corey’s energetic narrative is great but the real show-stealer are Red Nose Studio’s stupendous artwork and his ability to conjure eye-catching scenes through his clever and unique craft. Created out of intricate dioramas that are constructed using clay figures, cardboard and other small objects, he brings life to the streets of late nineteenth century New York and a rich world of imagination and historical detail. An animated clip of The Secret Subway, again created by Red Nose Studio, can be found here and is well worth checking out. Alfred Beach and his secret subway is sure to captivate young readers, just like his fan-powered train captivated its lucky patrons over one-hundred years ago. Exquisite stuff! Recommended for 7+.
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