The stories of Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends have delighted generations of children and adults, but what do we know of the man who created them? A devoted pastor and family man, the Reverend W Awdry first started telling the stories in order to amuse his own children, with no idea that the characters would lead to a global phenomenon that now, seventy years after their first appearance, shows no signs of waning. In this fascinating and warm biography, prolific author Brian Sibley brings to life one of the most eminent children's writers of the twentieth century, tracing his story from his Edwardian childhood through his time at University and into World War 2. A convinced pacifist, Awdry was thrown out of one curacy and denied another, because of his beliefs. Never afraid to fight for what he thought was right, he argued with his publishers and his illustrators, demanding the best for his favourite creations - the trains and their friends.

Allows fans of Thomas to rediscover the original classic stories about the world's best-loved tank engine. This title includes the four original Thomas stories.

The Reverend Awdry's first book in the classic Railway Series, The Three Railway Engines, was published exactly 70 years ago. This elegant slipcase brings together the all 26 books from this famous series in one stunning volume. The ultimate gift for all those who delight in the adventures of this cheeky little engine and his friends and a delightful present for new babies who are sure to grow up to be firm Thomas fans.

The Reverend Awdry created Thomas the Tank Engine for his son, Christopher Awdry, who continued his father's work by writing a further 14 books. Thomas fans will be delighted to see all of Christopher Awdry's stories beautifully reproduced and printed for the first time since 1996. Christopher Awdry's first Thomas book for 10 years is also being published by Egmont in September 2007.