From the Edwardian golden age of steam to the present, no mode of travel has captured the hearts of the British people like the railways. In wartime and peace, along major routes and minor, steam, diesel and electric trains, have moved goods, taken commuters to work or families on holidays - a constant presence in an always changing way of life.
A Century of Railway Travel tells the story of one hundred years of Britain's railway heritage using striking full-page imagery with commentary from author Paul Atterbury who explains the controversial history and unique appeal of the railways. His expert eye steers the reader through the last hundred years, from the heyday of steam to the tragedy that was Beeching and rail's recent revival. The book stops to consider the great steam engines, the drivers, luggage, passengers, postcards, tickets, station scenes and carriage interiors we all like to remember.
About the Author: Paul Atterbury is the author of numerous books on railway topics including Branch Line Britain and Along Lost Lines and has appeared regularly as an expert on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow.
He was formerly historical adviser to Royal Doulton and editor of The Connoisseur. His books include Moorcroft Pottery, Dictionary of Minton, Poole Pottery, Cornish Ware, The North of France, The Thames, Country Railways, and Exploring Britain's Canals. His varied interests include printed ephemera, sculpture, and railway relics. He was the Curator of the Pugin exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, in 1994, and the same museum's "Victorian Vision" exhibition in 2001. Mr. Atterbury lives in Great Britain.
