Cathedrals of Steam
How London’s Great Stations Were Built – And How They Transformed the City
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Atlantic Books
Published:4th Nov '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This engaging narrative delves into the history and significance of London's railway stations, as explored in Cathedrals of Steam.
In Cathedrals of Steam, Christian Wolmar explores the rich history of London's twelve major railway stations, which stand as iconic symbols of the Victorian era. From the grandeur of King's Cross and Paddington to the more understated Fenchurch Street and Cannon Street, these termini are not just transport hubs but also vital parts of London's identity. Wolmar's narrative brings to life the stories behind these architectural marvels, detailing their construction and the impact they had on the city and its inhabitants.
Built between 1836 and 1899 by competing private train companies, these stations were the result of fierce rivalries that reshaped the urban landscape. Wolmar vividly recounts how the construction of these stations led to the demolition of slums, the covering of green spaces, and the establishment of extensive marshalling yards and engine sheds. The upheaval caused by their creation was immense, and the author provides a compelling account of how these changes influenced the local communities.
Moreover, Cathedrals of Steam celebrates the recent revitalization of many of these historic stations, showcasing how they have been transformed into modern spaces while preserving their historical essence. With entertaining anecdotes and unique insights, Wolmar's work is a fascinating journey through the past, present, and future of London's railway stations.
Wolmar's history will delight train spotters but is also fascinating for the passengers who often pass through these great transport temples without a second thought. * 'Books of the Year', Financial Times *
Lively... Wolmar builds a compelling narrative that celebrates these industrial wonders - and teases at how much better spent some of that Victorian money might have been. * The Times *
London's twelve great rail termini are the epic survivors of the Victorian age. They are the cathedrals of transportation. Wolmar brings them to life with the knowledge of an expert and the panache of a connoisseur. His words render them indestructible. -- Simon Jenkins
A wonderful tour, full of vivid incident and surprising detail. Station by station, it also adds up to a portrait of London through the railway age and into our own time. -- Simon Bradley
Wolmar compellingly describes how engineers and architects creating terminus stations harked back to classical or Gothic styles. But, with the advantage of iron and glass, they could erect giant structures in months not centuries, whose scale justified the description "cathedrals of steam". -- Michael Portillo
Every London commuter should read this book... Fascinating histories abound from Queen Victoria's specially arranged signals to the driver to slow down on the way from Slough to Paddington, to Thomas Hardy's job of excavating graves to make way for tracks at St Pancras. -- Tom Chesshyre
In this delightful homage to the capital's mighty icons of the railway age Wolmar is a worthy successor to Betjeman. -- Michael Williams
A terrific book for anyone interested, not just in London's stations, but in the development of the railway since the capital's first terminus, London Bridge, opened in 1836. * ASLEF Journal *
Excellent... In a skilful fusion of practicalities and aesthetics, the author captures the essence of our experience of grand stations and also reminds us to look when we pass through or, more commonly, linger impatiently while we wait for our train's platform to be called. * New Criterion *
A fascinating story of Victorian capitalist free-for-all and competition behind the development of mainline stations. * Camden New Journal *
London's railway termini are a monument to Victorian taste and ingenuity, now revived and re-imagined for the 21st century. Christian Wolmar's Cathedrals of Steam is their story and London's, vividly and intimately intertwined.' * Country & Town House *
ISBN: 9781786499226
Dimensions: 198mm x 128mm x 27mm
Weight: 330g
352 pages
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