This fascinating book reveals the enticing history of the world's underground systems with tales of secret networks and nuclear shelters, art nouveau and woolly mammoths. The first underground railway opened in London in 1863, yet it's only since 2000 that there has been an explosion in new systems, with over 30 metros opening in China alone! From the Budapest World Heritage site to the longest and busiest in Beijing, from the stunning architecture of Moscow to the mysterious Pyongyang Metro, and the future: the forthcoming Crossrail in London and the City Rail Link, the first in New Zealand, all have fascinating stories to tell. Over 200 underground railways are in service or under construction around the world. With unique histories, unusual circumstances around their construction, unbelievable technical challenges to overcome, beautiful architecture and a whole host of colourful personalities, this enthralling collection has it all.

Stephen Halliday is a historian specialising in transport and industrial history. He is the author of a number of books in the best-selling Amazing and Extraordinary Facts series published by Rydon Publishing including London Underground, Cathedrals and Abbeys and Great Britain. He contributes articles and reviews to magazines such as the Literary Review, Times Higher Education, BBC History and History Today.

Stephen lives in Cambridge.