A Transatlantic Tunnel, Hurrah!

In a captivating alternate 1970s, Harry Harrison's 'A Transatlantic Tunnel, Hurrah!' plunges readers into a world where the American Revolution never happened, and the British Empire proudly spans the globe. This technologically advanced Victorian era sees steam-powered marvels, opulent airships, and an unwavering belief in progress. The story centers on Sir Augustine Washington, a brilliant but eccentric engineer and a direct descendant of the rebel George Washington. Augustine is tasked with an audacious project: constructing a monumental transatlantic tunnel connecting the British Isles to the North American continent. As he battles colossal engineering challenges, political machinations, and the skepticism of an entrenched aristocracy, Harrison weaves a delightful narrative brimming with satirical wit, inventive detail, and a genuine love for the spirit of Victorian adventure. It's a grand spectacle of ingenuity and imperial ambition, offering a uniquely charming take on what might have been.