History of the LNER v. 1: The First Years, 1923-33 Michael R Bonavia

Last Updated on April 23, 2026

History of the LNER v. 1: The First Years, 1923-33 Michael R Bonavia.

The LNER was in many ways the most original, inventive and spectacular of the four main line companies that existed from 1923 until

1948. Although always beset by financial problems, it pioneered High Speed Trains forty years before British Rail’s HST; and it inspired intense loyalty among its officers, an unusually high number of whom filled senior management posts in BR after nationalis-

ation.

This lavishly illustrated account, which complements rather than duplicates the earlier history by Cecil J. Allen, covers the first decade of the LNER. During this time the foundations were well laid down and the constituent companies skilfully welded together under the outstanding leadership of William Whitelaw and R. L. Wedgwood, though there was no ruthless trampling down of pre-grouping practices in the name of standardisation.

This is the first volume in Michael Bonavia’s important new three-volume work, which will appeal not only to rail buffs but also to serious students of our transport history.

This book was previously for sale at Margot’s Books. The shop is now closed — this post is kept as an archive record only.