British Rail

The authoritative and fascinating history of the rise and fall of the state-owned British Rail 
'Wolmar's book is impeccably organised and makes a fast, enjoyable read' THE TIMES Literary Supplement________ 
British Rail wasn't how we're asked to remember it . . . 
From ancient rolling stock to patchy service, stale sandwiches to the wrong kind of snow, British Rail - our last great state-owned organisation to be privatised - has received a terrible press. 
But after its controversial 1948 creation, British Rail was actually an innovative powerhouse that over five decades transformed the UK, creating one of the fastest regular rail services in the world. 
Award-winning journalist Christian Wolmar takes us from promise to punchline, exploring British Rail's birth into post-war austerity, the many battles and struggles to evolve what many considered to be a dinosaur, and how, at the height of its success, the service was misunderstood and unfairly maligned, ruthlessly broken up and privatised._______ 
Praise for Christian Wolmar 
'Wolmar is the high priest of railway studies' Literary Review 
'The greatest expert on British trains' Guardian 
'Our most eminent transport journalist' Spectator 
'If the world's railways have a laureate, it is surely Christian Wolmar' Boston Globe 
 'Christian Wolmar is in love with the railways. He writes constantly and passionately about them. He is their wisest, most detailed historian and a constant prophet of their rebirth . . . if you love the hum of the wheels and of history, then Christian Wolmar is your man' Observer

Wolmar's book is impeccably organized and makes a fast, enjoyable read

Wolmar is the high priest of railway studies

The greatest expert on British trains

Our most eminent transport journalist

Christian Wolmar

Sleek, comfortable, accessible, and sustainable, high-speed rail is the future. 
 
Japan’s Bullet Train has become a global icon. The French TGV established a template that soon followed across Europe. But China has become the world leader. Now with lines built or planned in over twenty countries, high speed rail has changed the world and, faced with the environmental cost of cars and air travel, might help save it. But two pioneering railway countries - the US and UK - have been left behind in the race. 
 
Christian Wolmar, our leading railway writer explores the irresistible global rise of high-speed rail, a story of big personalities, bold decisions, cutting-edge technology, and soaring ambition.

Christian Wolmar

Books by Christian Wolmar

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