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'Important ... students of the nineteenth century will be grateful to have it once again available at such a reasonable price'
--Contemporary Review
--Contemporary Review
Product Description
The railway was the creation in some ways the archetypal creation of the Victorian age. It transformed the whole social and intellectual fabric of Britain, affected Victorian thought and language, figured in the literature of the age, inspired artists, transformed communications and expanded the horizons of ordinary folk. This absorbing book looks at every aspect of the railway in Victorian times from the origins and initial construction to the spreading impact on the nation; from engineers and financiers to the effect on leisure and the environment. This is a story that is not only enthralling in its own right but also fundamental to an understanding of British history and the nature of Britain today.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Jack Simmons book is nothing less than an encyclopaedia of Victorian railway history presented as a narrative. Using a thematic rather than chronological format, he addresses practically every aspect of the topic, from the machinery and use of railways to their representation in literature and their management of public relations. Within them he provides a clear overview of the people, places, and technologies that created and directed the development of Britain's railroad network.
The author of over a half-dozen more specialized books on railroad history, Simmons brings an impressive breadth of knowledge to his topic. Much of this is clear from his writing, which with his confident and comfortable tone conveys an easy familiarity with his subject. Yet like an encyclopedia entry his coverage is often brief as he passes from subject to subject, leaving the reader wanting to learn more. This is especially true in terms of his illustrations, which while numerous are nowhere near sufficiently so for his text, leaving readers to track down pictures of the images and places he mentions for themselves.
None of this, however, detracts from the overall utility of this book. Well written and deeply researched, Simmons's book is an excellent guide to understanding Victorian railways and the role they played in the history of their time. Readers will find it an enlightening resource, one that they can enjoy from cover to cover or by selecting the chapters that sate specific needs. Either way, it is one that people interested in the subject will want to keep on their shelves for many years to come.
The author of over a half-dozen more specialized books on railroad history, Simmons brings an impressive breadth of knowledge to his topic. Much of this is clear from his writing, which with his confident and comfortable tone conveys an easy familiarity with his subject. Yet like an encyclopedia entry his coverage is often brief as he passes from subject to subject, leaving the reader wanting to learn more. This is especially true in terms of his illustrations, which while numerous are nowhere near sufficiently so for his text, leaving readers to track down pictures of the images and places he mentions for themselves.
None of this, however, detracts from the overall utility of this book. Well written and deeply researched, Simmons's book is an excellent guide to understanding Victorian railways and the role they played in the history of their time. Readers will find it an enlightening resource, one that they can enjoy from cover to cover or by selecting the chapters that sate specific needs. Either way, it is one that people interested in the subject will want to keep on their shelves for many years to come.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I feel somewhat hesitant in disagreeing with others who have reviewed and rated this book very highly. Reading the product description I had envisioned something rather different from the book that dropped through my letter box.
I have a long standing interest in all things Victorian and particularly in the railway and have read extensively on the subject. Jack Simmons has been relentless in pursuit of detail, but in my humble opinion often a particular subject can seem completely divorced from its predecessors. This leaves one feeling that this is more a collection of (albeit very interesting) disjointed facts that have been thrown together because they have a common thread (the railway) running through them rather than being a complete work in its own right.
I absolutely agree with other reviewers it contains much fascinating detail but this is spoiled by presentation, but a worthwhile purchase for all that. I award the book three stars only, mainly for effort and some absolute gems of information I have gleaned rather than the enjoyment of reading the book which in the end I was glad to put down.
I have a long standing interest in all things Victorian and particularly in the railway and have read extensively on the subject. Jack Simmons has been relentless in pursuit of detail, but in my humble opinion often a particular subject can seem completely divorced from its predecessors. This leaves one feeling that this is more a collection of (albeit very interesting) disjointed facts that have been thrown together because they have a common thread (the railway) running through them rather than being a complete work in its own right.
I absolutely agree with other reviewers it contains much fascinating detail but this is spoiled by presentation, but a worthwhile purchase for all that. I award the book three stars only, mainly for effort and some absolute gems of information I have gleaned rather than the enjoyment of reading the book which in the end I was glad to put down.
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A fine account by a prominent scholar, clealrly written with auhtority and style on virtually every aspect of railway history imaginable First class travel journey to knowledge and understanding
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