The authentic and interesting story of the rise and fall of the state-run British railway. Wolmar's book is impeccably organized and offers a quick, enjoyable read. British Rail wasn't as we are asked to remember it... From ancient railway to makeshift service, and old sandwiches to the wrong type of snow, British Rail - the last great state-run organization to be privatized - has received poor reviews. However, after its controversial creation in 1948, British Rail was actually an innovative force that, within five decades, transformed the UK, creating one of the fastest regular railway services in the world. Award-winning journalist Christian Wolmar takes us from promise to punchline, exploring the birth of British Rail in post-war austerity, the many battles and struggles to evolve what many considered a dinosaur, and how, at the peak of its success, the service was misunderstood and unfairly maligned, harshly broken up and privatized.

Praise for Christian Wolmar: 'Wolmar is the high priest of railway studies' - Literary Review, 'The greatest expert on British railways' - Guardian, 'The most eminent transport journalist' - Spectator, 'If the world’s railways have a folklorist, it is surely Christian Wolmar' - Boston Globe, 'Christian Wolmar is in love with railways. He writes about them constantly and passionately. He is their wisest and most detailed historian' - Observer.

Pages: 416, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm