Bristish Steam Railways: A History of Steam Locomotives - 1800 to the Present Day - Tapa dura

From Richard Trevithick's first cumbersome engine in 1804 to Stephenson's Rocket and on to the golden age of steam. Illustrated with over 200 colour and black-and-white photographs, colour maps, prints and drawings, this is a definitive and entertaining history by a steam-railway expert that covers all the essential events of the past two centuries, including: Pioneering years of Stephenson, Brunel and Locke; Mallard's 126mph record and the last regular steam service with Clun Castle; Railway network of over 100 companies and the remaining little lines; Detailed specification tables of all the most important locomotives, including magnificent A4 and 'Coronation' class locomotives

David Ross, transport historian, is author of over 40 books, including Steam Railways, Rail 150 and Orient Express.