Last Updated on April 23, 2026
Fully illustrated with more than 900 color and black and white pictures, including specially commissioned artwork and diagrams.
For the first time in one original and comprehensive volume, all the many varied aspects of the world’s railways, past and present, have been brought together.
Since steam locomotives first pulled trains over iron rails more than 150 years ago, railways have changed the whole fabric of society and industry more than almost any other innovation. The whole story-from before Stephenson’s immortal Rocket to the 300km/h supertrains of the near future-is told in this magnificent book.
The technical development of steam, diesel and electric locomotives and the way in which railways operate are covered in detail with specially commissioned full colour diagrams to ensure ready understanding by the layman.
The encyclopedia is a major reference work.
The lives of the great pioneers-the Stephensons, George Pullman, André
Chapelon and many others-are described in the biographies. Comprehensive tables give information including route lengths, gauges, electrification and first lines, on the railways of the world. Records for motive power, rolling stock and civil engineering, and a glossary of technical terms are among the other important features of this book.
Railways hold a great attraction for enthusiast and layman alike and chapters on preservation, films, architecture and the great trains of the past such as the Orient Express show the full fascination of the subject.
This book was previously for sale at Margot’s Books. The shop is now closed — this post is kept as an archive record only.
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