Follow the development, decline and revival of Britain's railways through a unique collection of old and new maps, commentaries and photographs. The story is traced from early 'waggonways' through the steam era to today's diesel and electric railways.

"Transit Maps of the World" was an unexpected success and is now a cult favorite. In his irresistible follow-up, Ovenden has produced a mesmerizing compendium of historical and contemporary railway maps and posters from around the world.

Throughout this engaging book is a series of 'milepost' features on key events, eras and personalities in the history of Britain's railways. From the enormous role the railways played in the World Wars to modern events, like the opening of the Channel Tunnel, this extensive book shows you how British history is firmly tied to the railways. The story is traced from early 'waggonways', through the steam era to today's diesel and electric railways.Mapping the Railways will appeal to railway enthusiasts, historians and general interest readers alike.Over 100 railway maps:,*Historical and modern rail network maps,*Extracts from Ordnance Survey sheets,*Plans for proposed railway schemesPivotal events in railway history:,*The nineteenth century saw the foundations laid for our modern railway network, with huge building projects constructing thousands of miles of track, bridges and tunnels,*Expansion slowed in the early twentieth century as competition from the car and the lorry began to bite,*Railways made an enormous contribution to the World Wars, then underwent massive re-equipment after nationalization

"Follow the development, decline and revival of Britain's railways through a unique collection of old and new maps, commentaries and photographs. Charting the rich history of Britain's railways from 1819 to the present day, this fascinating compendium shows how trains have played an essential part in British life for nearly 200 years. Throughout this engaging book is a series of 'milepost' features on key events, eras and personalities in the history of Britain's railways. From the enormous role the railways played in the World Wars to modern events, like the opening of the Channel Tunnel, this extensive book shows you how British history is firmly tied to the railways. The story is traced from early 'waggonways', through the steam era to today's diesel and electric railways..."--Publisher description.

A beautifully illustrated and comprehensive history of the world's greatest railway maps, and the railways behind them. 'The romance of the overground railway pours from the edges of many of the images in Great Railway Maps . . . a heady mixture of design, history, geography and - more often than not - usefulness.' Will Dean, Independent 'This is one for the true drooler, page after page of track splendour from Algeria to Japan. In the UK, the 19th-century railway spreads through the country like shattering glass, but other maps are more leisurely and scenic . . . the reader may imagine themselves at every stop.' Simon Garfield, Guardian 'I hugely enjoyed poring over Mark Ovenden's Great Railway Maps of the World, beautifully produced and illustrated.' Richard J. Evans, New Statesman Books of the Year 'If you love railways or know someone who does . . . this is the book for you.' Robert Elms, BBC London

Follow the development, decline and later revival of Britain s iconic railways with bestselling railway author Julian Holland. Discover the fascinating history of our remarkable railway heritage through expert commentary, stunning photographs and archive material from a lifetime of railway research."