History of the Great Western Railway

The most up-to-date history of the GWR and the only one aimed at the general reader. Interest in the history of steam railways has never been more intense, note the phenomenal success of the BBC TV series Great Railway Journeys, presented by Michael Portillo, and the top-ten bestselling nostalgia railway guide Bradshaw's Handbook (Old House Books). The initials 'GWR' conjure an evocative picture of a Brunswick green locomotive hauling tea and cream coloured coaches through a verdant West Country landscape. But the GWR was not just engines and trains. In this comprehensive history Colin Maggs, one of the country's foremost railway historians, tells of other, perhaps less well-known aspects of the company's history. Its construction and expansion; the activities of its publicity department; its sea, air and road services. It was a caring cradle-to-the-grave employer and at Swindon provided a hospital, school, baths and recreational facilities. These and other fascinating aspects of the company are all revealed in this accessible book illustrated with over 100 photographs and period posters, many in colour.