History of the Great Western Railway

The story of the most iconic railway company of the great age of steam.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.