London's Underground is one of the best-known and most distinctive aspects of the city. Since Victorian times, this remarkable feat of engineering has made an extraordinary contribution to the economy of the capital and played a vital role in the daily life of generations of Londoners.

Stephen Halliday's informative, entertaining, wide-ranging history of the Underground celebrates the vision and determination of the Victorian Pioneers who conceived this revolutionary transport system. His book records the scandal, disappointments, and disasters that have punctuated the story and the careers of the gifted, dedicated, sometimes corrupt individuals that have shaped its history. It also gives a fascinating insight into the neglected, often unseen aspects of this subterranean system - the dense network of tunnels, shafts and chambers that have been created beneath the city streets.

STEPHEN HALLIDAY is a lecturer, broadcaster and writer with a particular interest in the history of London from Roman times to the present day. His books include The Great Stink of London, The Great Filth, From Underground to Everywhere, Crossrail, and Fictional London. He has made many radio and television programmes and has contributed articles and reviews to a wide variety of publications.