The laying of a telegraph cable across the Atlantic in 1866 has been called, "the Victorian equivalent of the Apollo project."

Includes bibliographical references (p. [225]-227) and index.

An enterprise worthy of this day of great things -- Cyrus Field -- Newfoundland -- "How many months? : let's say how many years" -- Raising more capital -- The first cable -- "And lay the Atlantic cable in a heap" -- Lightning through deep waters -- "Here's the ship to lay your cable, Mr. Field" -- A new cable, a new attempt -- "The great Eastern looms all glorious in the morning sky".