An enlarged facsimile edition of Bradshaw's descriptive railway handbook of Great Britain and Ireland of 1861.

Collector's item, landmark in the history of the tour guide, snapshot of Britain in the 1860s – Bradshaw's Handbook deserves a place on the bookshelf of any traveller, railway enthusiast, historian or anglophile. Produced as the British railway network was reaching its zenith, and as tourism by rail became a serious pastime for the better off, it was the first national tourist guide specifically organized around railway journeys, and to this day offers a glimpse through the carriage window at a Britain long past. This is a facsimile of the actual book – often referred to as 'Bradshaw's Guide' – that inspired the 'Great British Railway Journeys' television series, possibly the only surviving example of the 1863 edition. It is an exact copy with a removable belly-band.

Conway's latest contribution to the Bradshaw's publishing phenomenon is this superb and wonderfully illustrated guide to Victorian London, dating from 1862. The book was published in a single volume as a handbook for visitors to the capital, and it includes beautiful engravings of London attractions, a historical overview of the city, and lots of other information relating to London theatres, Hackney carriages, omnibuses, London churches and even banks. There is also advice for tourists on coping with London smog, avoiding pickpockets, dealing with London's muddy streets and ferocious din, and many other topics - some just as useful today as they were in 1862! The main body of the book focuses on a series of 'walking tours' radiating outwards from the centre of London, covering the North, East, South and West, The City of London and a tour of the Thames (from Greenwich to Windsor). All major attractions and districts are covered in detailed pages full of picturesque description. This reformatted edition preserves the historical value of this meticulously detailed and comprehensive book, which will appeal to Bradshaw's enthusiasts, local historians, aficionados of Victoriana, tourists and Londoners alike - there really is something for everyone. It will enchant anyone with an interest in the capital and its rich history.

Bradshaw's Guide provides a fascinating account of his railway travels within Scotland. For the first time it is presented in a highly readable form in this new annotated volume, fully illustrated throughout with old and new colour images.

Bradshaw's Guide provides a fascinating account of his railway travels within Scotland. For the first time it is presented in a highly readable form in this new annotated volume, fully illustrated throughout with old and new colour images.

Contrasting George Bradshaw’s rail travel experiences in Victorian times with the same route today.