Thousands of commuters south of the Thames use the railway daily, but how many know the fascinating history of the Southern Railway, created in 1923 from four smaller companies? Colin Maggs, one of the countrys foremost railway historians, tells the story of the London & South Western Railway, the London Brighton & South Coast Railway, the South Eastern Railway and the London, Chatham & Dover Railway (also known as the London, Smash em & Turnover Railway due to its poor safety record) in comprehensive detail.In addition to the companys history, he covers the railways cross-Channel shipping enterprise and the creation of Southampton Docks for ocean-going vessels. From its Victorian beginnings, the golden age of steam, diversification, Edwardian amalgamation through nationalisation and to the present day, Colin Maggs tells the gripping story of one of the countrys proudest railway firms. Illustrated with over 100 photographs and period posters, many in colour.
The story of one of the most iconic railway companies of the great age of steam.
