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Fire & Steam: A New History of the Railways in Britain
Author(s): Christian Wolmar (Author)
- Publisher: Atlantic Books
- Publication Date: 13 Sept. 2007
- Edition: First Edition
- Language: English
- Print length: 364 pages
- ISBN-10: 1843546299
- ISBN-13: 9781843546290
Book Description
The opening of the pioneering Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1830 marked the beginning of the railways’ vital role in changing the face of Britain. Fire and Steam celebrates the vision and determination of the ambitious Victorian pioneers who developed this revolutionary transport system and the navvies who cut through the land to enable a country-wide network to emerge. The rise of the steam train allowed goods and people to circulate around Britain as never before, stimulating the growth of towns and industry, as well many of the facets of modern life, from fish and chips to professional football. From the early days of steam to electrification, via the railways’ magnificent contribution in two world wars, the chequered history of British Rail, and the buoyant future of the train, Fire and Steam examines the social and economical importance of the railway and how it helped to form the Britain of today.
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘A lively new history of the world’s oldest railway system… Fire and Steam tells a rollicking tale.’
— Michael Binyon, The Times
— Michael Binyon, The Times
‘Marvellously informative… a book that has given me more pleasure than any I can remember in quite a while.’ —
Rod Liddle, Sunday Times`A wonderful account of how our railways came to be.’
—
`Christian Wolmar brings the era of railway mania alive: both the imagination and the daring that made it possible.’ —
David DimblebyAbout the Author
Christian Wolmar is a writer and broadcaster. He is the author of The Subterranean Railway (Atlantic Books). He writes regularly for the Independent and Evening Standard, and frequently appears on TV and radio on current affairs and news programmes. Fire and Steam: A New History of the Railways in Britain was published by Atlantic Books in 2007.
