An illustrated review of these popular and distinctive locomotives, whose system of articulation enabled them (patented in 1884 by the French engineer after whom the system is named) to operate over challenging routes through some of the continent's most spectacular scenery. Featured countries include Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Portugal and Spain. There is also a chapter devoted to Mallet locomotives exported from Europe to Asia, with a particular emphasis on the sugar cane railways of Java and Sumatra, where there are still operational examples, even now in the 21st century.
