The author examines the evolving network of high speed railway passenger trains in Western Europe. In addition to placing such train networks in their geographic and economic contexts, the purpose of this study is to introduce the American reader to the European passenger train system, with a view to evaluating its feasibility for high-density areas of the USA and Canada. Beginning with some general concepts of railway economics, planning, construction and operation, the work goes on to describe high speed rail networks in France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and Spain, with additional information on Japan and Scandinavia. It is designed to be of interest to scholars and professionals in transport economics and rail systems. Mitchell P. Strohl is also the author of "The International Law of Bays".