First published in 1979, Travelling by Train in the Edwardian Age is a book for the steam train enthusiast, but it is much more than that: it is as well a fascinating social document reflecting an important aspect of Edwardian times. From boyhood memories the author calls to life the sights, sounds and smells of the railways in their heyday, when an express train was the fastest thing on earth: the unforgettable whiff of steam, coal dust, and oil; the colourful liveries of the numerous companies; the characteristic voices of the engines and their whistles; the décor and the motion of the gaslit carriages with their strict division into classes. The author stresses that the cheap, comfortable travel was made possible by the arduous and long hours, and often dangerous labour, of drivers, foremen, signalmen and other railway staff. He pays tribute to their loyalty and expertise in the face of often exceptionally difficult circumstances and crude equipment. The author gives due attention to the important developments during the period in locomotive and rolling stock design, station architecture and signalling technology. The many rare period photographs combine with the author’s vivid memories and evident enthusiasm to make this a uniquely informative and entertaining book.
