VOYA: The streets of New York City in 1860 are overcrowded to capacity. It takes hours to get to work just down the block and forever to return home. Something needs to be done to change the situation. Several attempts are made to change the situation, but none solve the problem. Alfred Beach, owner of the Scientific American publication, believes that he might have a solution based on something similar in England. The elite of New York, however, would not touch a subway like the one in England, but Beach plans to change that fact by making the New York subway a system with elegance. But first, there are a few roadblocks he must overcome. Sandler takes an in-depth look at the building of New York's first subway. He starts with the city's history, covering the overpopulation because of immigrants, the traffic issues, the noise, and the attempts to change the situation. Sandler gives a mini-biography of Beach, from his influence in aiding inventors to his potential solution for the traffic problem and his decision to pursue his dream undercover. New York City politics hindered many projects via kickbacks, stalled permits, the construction process itself, and the project's secrecy. Sandler discusses Beach's sneaky solution to the political intrigue. Sandler writes about the subway in a well-put-together book with interesting information, great pictures, and a compelling true story. Reviewer: Jennifer Rummel