J. Parker Lamb retired in 2001, after a 42-year career as a practicing engineer and university instructor, to pursue his life-long interest in the history of American technology with an emphasis on railroad developments. He has authored four books, including Perfecting the American Steam Locomotive (IUP, 2003). He lives in Austin, Texas.
"""Lamb's book is ... an important contribution to railroad technological history. The book's strength is the author's mastery of the mechanical details, which he presents in a straightforward style."" Mark Reutter, editor of Railroad History"