Author: Christian Wolmar
Publisher: Atlantic Books
Format: Available in hardback and paperback
Pages: 364
This is the first comprehensive general history of Britain’s railways for over 30 years. Fire and Steam sets out the story of the people and events that shaped the world’s first railway network: one of the most impressive engineering achievements in history.
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.