Iron, Stone and Steam: Brunel's Railway Empire

Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a Victorian icon, engineer, artist, architect, designer, and visionary who created a rail network covering much of the South and West of England, the Midlands, and Wales. He built masterpieces like Paddington Station and the Royal Albert Bridge, but his successes were matched by monumental failures. This book chronicles his awe-inspiring achievements and innovations as a railway engineer.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a Victorian icon who excelled as an engineer, artist, architect, designer, and visionary, left an indelible mark on the British landscape. This captivating new book delves into the remarkable achievements and groundbreaking innovations of Brunel as a railway engineer.

Entering the emerging world of railways in the early 1830s, Brunel quickly rivaled George and Robert Stephenson, embarking on what he deemed "the finest work in England." The construction of the Great Western Railway, widely regarded as one of the most revolutionary British railways, commenced in 1841.

Tim Bryan, Director of the Brunel Institute at the SS Great Britain, chronicles Brunel's remarkable journey in nearly thirty tumultuous years. During this time, Brunel established a vast rail network that stretched across much of the South and West of England, the Midlands, and Wales. This network featured iconic masterpieces such as Paddington Station and the Royal Albert Bridge, which continue to serve millions of travelers today.

However, Brunel's success was accompanied by monumental failures, including the ill-fated atmospheric system used on the South Devon Railway and the far-reaching implications of the broad gauge for his railways, which ultimately cost millions of pounds when abolished.

Iron, Stone, and Steam also explores the intricate character of Brunel, a man known for his creativity, sometimes dictatorial tendencies, and unwavering vision. This book sheds light on the roles of various individuals who played pivotal roles in realizing Brunel's railway empire. From the skilled navvies who constructed his bridges, tunnels, and lines to contemporaries like Daniel Gooch, without whom his vision would not have been fully realized, these individuals contributed to the remarkable success of Brunel's railway endeavors.

Above all, this book is a tribute to Brunel's visionary spirit, his unwavering commitment to engineering excellence, and his enduring impact on the British landscape. It serves as a reminder of the incredible achievements of a man who transcended the boundaries of traditional engineering and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations to come.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 165 x 245 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398112698