The Greatness of the Great Western - Keith M Beck

It is difficult for those who remember the Great Western Railway in all its glory to realise that it is now over 30 years since the company ceased to exist and that it will soon be 20 years since the last ex-GWR steam engine ran on British Railways in revenue earning service.

Few railways have received as much attention in words and illustrations as the GWR, and this is only partially attributable to its long history. No other company had such an extended lifespan – its 150th anniversary is celebrated in 1985 – and no other company produced so much material worth of description.

Despite the widening gap of years, the letters GWR still hold a compelling magic and fascination even for those who never saw the company working. There was – indeed, still is – something about the GWR that was different. And it is this difference which is celebrated in this book. The erudite text and profusion of illustrations record some of the features of the GWR that helped set it apart during its life and continue to do so in the affection and allegiance of its devotees. It is a small tribute to what can only be described as the Greatness of the Great Western.