An unashamed tug at the heartstrings for a lost era, a time before Dr Beeching chopped the heart out of the British countryside. Renowned railway writer Michael Williams takes us on 12 of the most beautiful and historic railway journeys in Britain.
Michael Williams writes widely on railways for many publications, including the Daily Mail, The Independent, the Independent on Sunday, the New Statesman, The Oldie and the railway specialist press. He is a veteran Fleet Street journalist, having held many senior positions, including Deputy Editor of the Independent on Sunday, Executive Editor of the Independent and Head of News at The Sunday Times. He is currently Senior Lecturer in the School of Journalism, Media and Communication at the University of Central Lancashire. He commutes regularly by train on the 440-mile return journey between his home in London's Camden Town and his office at Preston in Lancashire.
The author does take us along memory lane , but his description of
each route also encapsulates a taste of 21st century Britain
gleaned from talking to the people he meets along the way ... an
intriguing social snapshot
*Heritage Railway*
The author's superb narrative, interspersed with dry humour, acute
observations and some excellent anecdotes that make you feel you
know the lines so well that you want to travel on them ... there
are some wonderful bitter-sweet moments emerging from the pages, as
the reader is taken on a fascinating series of journeys ... I
enjoyed this book immensely. It's a great anytime read and hope the
publishers can be persuaded to to commission a second volume
*Railway Magazine*
A magical world barely changed since the golden age of rail
*Daily Mail*
Williams manages to meet a range of characters who enliven the book
and provide evidence of a Britain that is as forgotten as the lines
on which he travels. That is the strength of the book. Williams
does not just offer the journey but takes us through the history of
each line and importantly meets the people who have campaigned to
keep them open or ensure their smooth operation ...
*The Oldie*
Deep in our soul, the railways represent an idyll that we love
*Independent*
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