The opening of the pioneering Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1830 marked the beginning of the railways' vital role in changing the face of Britain. Fire and Steam celebrates the vision and determination of the ambitious Victorian pioneers who developed this revolutionary transport system and the navvies who cut through the land to enable a country-wide network to emerge.From the early days of steam to electrification, via the railways' magnificent contribution in two world wars, the chequered history of British Rail, and the buoyant future of the train, Fire and Steam examines the social and economical importance of the railway and how it helped to form the Britain of today.

Christian Wolmar is Britain's foremost writer and broadcaster on transport matters. He writes regularly for a variety of publications including the Independent, Evening Standard and Rail magazine, and appears frequently on TV and radio as a commentator. His other books include TheGreat Railway Revolution, The Subterranean Railway, Engines of War and Blood, Iron and Gold.