From the first steam trains to the high-speed bullet trains of today, Rise of the Railway tells the hidden stories of railway history – the inspired engineering, technical ingenuity, and sheer determination that forged the world’s railways.

Award-winning writer and broadcaster Christian Wolmar reveals how the railways were built not just on bold vision and technical expertise, but also on wild gambles and trial and error – and how the new era of trains brought about sweeping changes in the lives of people around the world.

This book details the lives and work of railway pioneers such as George Stephenson and John Stevens, and it explores and maps famous railways such as the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Orient Express. Key technological innovations are explained with in-depth illustrations, while stunning photographs and paintings bring railway history to life on the page. Gripping eyewitness accounts describe the railways of the past through the eyes of people who were there.

Packed with colourful stories, technical insights, and beautiful images, Rise of the Railway is the ultimate ride along the rails of history.

Christian Wolmar is an award-winning writer and broadcaster specialising in transport and is the author of a series of books on railway history. Former transport correspondent for The Independent, he is acknowledged as one of the UK’s leading commentators on transport matters. He broadcasts frequently on radio and TV and is a regular pundit on the national news bulletins of terrestrial channels and Sky. He has written more than 20 books, mainly on railway history, and presents the Calling All Stations podcast.