Description
The Making of a Railway is a compelling historical account of the construction of the Great Central Railway, written by renowned railway historian L.T.C. Rolt. Originally published in 1971 and reissued in 1979, this hardcover edition brings to life the story of the last main line built in Britain during the steam era, running from Nottingham to London Marylebone between 1894 and 1899.
At the heart of the book are the extraordinary photographs taken by S.W.A. Newton, a Leicester-based photographer who meticulously documented the railway’s construction and early operation. These rare and atmospheric images offer an intimate view of the engineering challenges, workforce, and evolving landscape of the period. Combined with Rolt’s insightful commentary and historical context, the book presents a vivid portrait of one of Britain’s most ambitious railway projects.
The Making of a Railway is an essential read for railway enthusiasts, industrial historians, and anyone interested in the intersection of Victorian engineering and social history.
