A History of the Great Western Railway - by Colin Maggs (Paperback)

About the Book

New paperback edition - A narrative history of the most iconic railway company of the great age of steam.

Book Synopsis

The story of the most iconic railway company of the great age of steam.

The initials 'GWR' conjure an evocative picture of a Brunswick green locomotive hauling tea-and-cream-coloured coaches through a verdant West Country landscape. However, the GWR was not just engines and trains.

In this comprehensive history, Colin Maggs, one of the country's foremost railway historians, tells of other, perhaps less well-known aspects of the company's history: its construction and expansion; the activities of its publicity department; and its sea, air and road services. It was a caring, cradle-to-the-grave employer and at Swindon even provided a hospital, school, baths and recreational facilities. These and other fascinating aspects of the company are all revealed in this accessible book, illustrated with over 100 photographs and period posters, many in colour.

Review Quotes

'Comprehensive and full of charming anecdotes'--Christian Wolmar

'With so much history, it could have been all too easy to focus on every minute detail, but Maggs has kept matters concise yet interesting, so the reader is not overwhelmed with an excess of information and still comes away having gained an appreciation for how the GWR grew from its humble beginnings into one of the major competitors of the railway world, with the number of preserved locomotives seen today largely drawn from its pool.'-- "Heritage Railway Magazine, July 2025"

About the Author

Colin Maggs is one of the country's foremost transport and engineering historians and has written over one hundred books as well as innumerable magazine articles. He has also made several TV and radio appearances. In 1993 he received the MBE for services to railway history. He lives in Bath.