Fire and Steam: How the Railways Transformed Britain - Hardcover

Wolmar, Christian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1805462695 ISBN 13: 9781805462699

Publisher: Atlantic Books, 2024

Synopsis

A new and updated edition of the classic history of the British railway, published to coincide with the 200th anniversary of train travel in 2025.

The opening of the pioneering Stockton and Darlington railway, the world's first passenger line, in 1825 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.

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 disaster of privatization, Fire and Steam examines the social and economical importance of the railway and how it helped form the Britain of today.

About this title

About 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.

From the Back Cover

'A lively new history of the world's oldest railway system... Fire and Steam tells a rollicking tale.' Michael Binyon, The Times

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.

'Expertly explored and explicated... A beautifully written, detailed (but never anoraky) history of two centuries of life on the iron road.' Judith Flanders, Daily Telegraph

'A marvellously informative, entertaining and rightly partisan book... [Fire and Steam] is a book that has given me more pleasure than any I can remember in quite a while.' Rod Liddle, The Sunday Times

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Edition details

• Publisher: Atlantic Books
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1805462695
• ISBN 13: 9781805462699
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 400