The World's Last Steam Locomotives in Industry: The 20th Century

Gordon Edgar's book captures the final days of steam in industry around the world through stunning photographs of steam at work in various locations, including coal mines, quarries, steelworks, and sugar plantations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Gordon Edgar, renowned for his popular series exploring industrial steam in various parts of the UK, delves into a captivating exploration of steam's final days in industry across the globe. Through extensive travels in the latter half of the 20th and early 21st centuries, along with the expertise of other talented photographers, Edgar and his team have compiled an extraordinary collection of images showcasing steam at work in diverse locations such as Western and Eastern Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia. The resulting photographs, adorned with stunning and evocative imagery, not only document the twilight years of these industrial giants but also capture the atmospheric essence of the environments in which they thrived, including coal mines, quarries, steelworks, and sugar plantations. This remarkable tribute to a significant chapter in international industrial history is presented in two volumes, with the first installment focusing on scenes captured in the later decades of the 20th century.

Introduction:
Gordon Edgar's captivating series on industrial steam in the UK has captivated audiences, and his latest endeavor takes us on a global journey to witness the final days of steam in industry. Through meticulous research and stunning photography, Edgar and his team have compiled an impressive collection of images that showcase steam's enduring presence in diverse locations worldwide. This tribute to an important aspect of international industrial history is presented in two volumes, with the first installment focusing on scenes captured in the later decades of the 20th century.

Scenes Captured:
The first volume of Gordon Edgar's tribute to steam's final days in industry takes us on a journey through various regions and industries. From the coal mines of Western Europe to the quarries of South America, the steelworks of Asia, and the sugar plantations of Australia, the images depict the tireless efforts of workers and the powerful machinery that powered their operations. The photographs capture the raw energy and nostalgia of the final days of steam, with smoke billowing from the chimneys and the sound of steam engines echoing through the air.

The Atmosphere of the Environments:
One of the most remarkable aspects of Gordon Edgar's work is his ability to capture the atmosphere of the environments in which steam worked. The photographs evoke a sense of awe and wonder as they showcase the ruggedness and beauty of these industrial landscapes. From the dark and dangerous coal mines to the vast expanses of quarries and steelworks, the images transport us to a bygone era when steam was the primary source of power. The photographs also highlight the impact of steam on the environment, with the coal mines and quarries leaving behind scars on the land and the steelworks contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion:
Gordon Edgar's tribute to steam's final days in industry is a remarkable achievement. Through his extensive travels and the collaboration of talented photographers, Edgar has compiled an extraordinary collection of images that showcase the power and beauty of steam in action. The photographs not only document the final days of these industrial workhorses but also provide a valuable insight into the rich history and legacy of steam in industry. This first of two volumes is a fitting tribute to an important aspect of international industrial history and sets the stage for an exciting exploration of steam's enduring influence in the years to come.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 168 x 246 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445685090