Railways played a key role in Britain's social, economic and industrial history. The original companies have long gone, but all over the country relics remain to remind us of that pioneering age. David Wragg's Historical Dictionary of Railways in the British Isles is a comprehensive, single-volume reference guide to the old railway companies and their many-sided activities, and he gives biographies of the men who created the rail network. He covers what are now the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. His book is essential reading and reference for enthusiasts of every region and period of railway history. AUTHOR: A former contributor to THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH and THE SPECTATOR, David Wragg is the author of some twenty books on aviation and naval history, of which eight have been published abroad. His books include JANE'S AIR FORCES OF THE WORLD (2003), THE FLEET AIR ARM HANDBOOK 1939-45 (Sutton, 2001 and 2003), described by one magazine 'As good a single volume on the subject as your reviewer has located'; CARRIER COMBAT (Sutton, 1997 and The Naval Institute Press, USA); and WINGS OVER THE SEA (David & Charles, 1979 and ARCO, USA). SELLING POINTS: Comprehensive A-Z guide to Britain's railway history and heritage Concise histories of the old railway companies and their activities Includes the Irish Republic, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man 30 illustrations