First published in 1968. It was probably the Great Exhibition of 1851 which inspired the son of a Congregational minister to publish the first book on the rise and progress of the railway system designed for the non-specialist reader. The resources of British railways had never before been so heavily taxed as they were in the summer of 1851, many had come by railway and had seen and used engineering wonders of which they might be expected to seek to know more. The first edition of this book appeared in 1852 and it included 37 woodcuts showing interesting features of railway construction and working, and was described by The Economist as being historic and scientific.

The award-winning author of "Empire Express" retraces the route of the first transcontinental railroad.

A fascinating journey through the history of railways From the early steam trains to the high-speed bullet trains of today, The Iron Road tells the hidden stories of railway history- the inspired engineering, blood, sweat and tears that went into the construction of the railways. Uncover the compelling tales of bold vision, invention and error, and social change behind the history of trains and railways, with famous railways such as the Transsiberian fully explored. Learn how the great railway pioneers such as George Stephenson produced the ideas and feats of engineering that created the railways and changed the world. Each exciting moment of railway history is captured, contextualised and enhanced by superb illustrations. Trains and railways of the past like the romantic Orient Express are brought to life through amazing eyewitness accounts, allowing you to see the railways through the eyes of people who were there at the time. Written by Christian Wolmar, an award-winning writer and broadcaster, The Iron Road is an exciting trip through the history of trains for any railway enthusiast.

"This book, for the first time, calls adequate attention to the physical plant over which railroads operate - the roadbeds, tracks, bridges, and tunnels, subjects that are often taken for granted. It is a book no rail fan or student of engineering can be without."--BOOK JACKET.