Penn Central: The Death of the American Railroad tells the gripping story of one of the largest corporate failures in U.S. history. This book explores the ambitious 1968 merger of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central Railroad, two industry giants struggling with financial decline, and how their union ultimately led to collapse. By 1970, the Penn Central Transportation Company filed for bankruptcy, marking the largest corporate failure of its time and a turning point for the American railroad industry. The book delves deeply into the financial, operational, and cultural challenges that plagued Penn Central from the outset. It examines the clash of corporate philosophies between two historic railroads, the logistical chaos created by incompatible technologies, and the regulatory constraints that prevented necessary reforms. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a changing transportation landscape, where the rise of automobiles, trucking, and air travel diverted passengers and freight away from the rails. The failure of Penn Central also reveals broader truths about the decline of northeastern manufacturing, the burden of outdated infrastructure, and the difficulty of navigating an inflexible regulatory system. It highlights how the collapse served as a catalyst for federal intervention, leading to the creation of Conrail and the regulatory reforms of the 1970s and 1980s, which ultimately revitalized the American rail industry. This is not just a story of corporate mismanagement—it is a reflection of a transformative period in American history. Penn Central: The Death of the American Railroad offers valuable insights into the lessons of leadership, strategic planning, and adaptability during a time of economic upheaval. It is essential reading for those fascinated by railroad history, the evolution of American business, and the forces that shape industries and economies.