Chronologically ordered for ease of use, this insight into the development of this mode of transport from the early beginnings of steam power to today's awe-inspiring high-speed passenger trains should appeal to railway enthusiasts. From China to Scandinavia all manner of locomotives are covered with over 700 photographs and illustrations and information boxes to outline the engines' specifications. The three sections - The Birth of the Railways, The Golden Age of Steam and The 1950's to the Present Day - ensure that this is an exhaustive reference work exploring these pivotal moments in history that led to the development of the modern world.