In its basic form, negotiation is a method of conflict resolution (5:7). It is a problem-solving process in which two or more parties attempt to resolve their disagreement or conflict in a manner, and through a process, that is mutually agreeable (8: xiii). Whereas the general concept of negotiation is easy enough to understand, in practice it can be an extremely difficult proposition. Opposing views about what is right and wrong, disagreement on what is fair and equitable, understanding each other's message and form of communication, and even the procedures that will be used to conduct negotiations are but a few of the hurdles that negotiators will encounter.

What child lucky enough to have lived in the era was not struck by the awesome size, power and mystery of a steam locomotive going to distant locations? Although the locations for the Midland were not so distant, given the time and the exuberance of the country, the Iowa Midland was a significant force in the "growing up" of a small section of eastern Iowa. To the uninitiated who wonder how trains happened to go through so many towns to the railroad aficionados who realize that the towns actually grew around the railroads, the story of railroads and their impact on America at this dynamic time in our countries history is absorbing. The Iowa Midland possessed all the elements of the railroad boom but on a scale that is easy for the reader to relate to and follow. The book relates the story told time and time again all across the country about how the railroad had such an incredible impact on the development of our country and brought it into the 20th century.