The British were at the forefront of railway development during the first fifty years of the 19th century. Railway Empire tells the story of how the British gave railways to the world, not only in the empire, but also in other countries outside the areas of direct influence. This book analyses the political, economic and technical aspects of this development, which made Britain a country at the forefront of this form of transport.

An essential book to know the history of the extension of the railway around the world thanks to Britain. Very well written and with photographs perfectly chosen to understand it better. You can't put any catches on it.

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Unos Cuantos Trenes

The writer tells a fascinating story and the quality of the writing is excellent.

Railway & Canal Historical Society

The author of this well-presented book is an authoritative historian on industrial heritage, who is also well known from his broadcast work. This experience and knowledge is evident throughout this well researched and detailed account of how Britain exported rail transport to every corner of the Globe.

This a remarkable and impressive book which draws on much original material including making extensive use of diary and other accounts from many of the key players at the time. It is supported by an excellent selection of photographs.

Anthony Burton has produced a valuable and interesting historical account, I have no hesitation recommending it.

Journal of the Friends of the National Railway Museum No.165

With Michael Portillo now travelling around India on their incredible railway system, this book could not be more timely for people interested in the history of world railways. Anthony Burton's examination of how Britain paved the way fr the rest of the world to share in this unique and opportune transport system is fascinating- a reminder of what a great nation we once were.

Books Monthly

As featured in crossword competition

RAIL, 6th June 2018

Eminently readable.

Steam World, May 2018

An interesting read.

Narrow Gauge World

The book is an interesting and in places thought-provoking read on aspects of railway history not previously widely discussed from an overall point of view.

Engineering in Miniature, June 2018

I could quote endlessly from this fascinating book, but I will finish by reproducing it's closing paragraph: 'Britain brough railways to the world. Whatever the motives might have been, the systems they built are a reality that have long outlasted them. The faults of the British were no doubt great, their attitudes sometimes deplorable, but nothing can take away from two irrefutable facts: the labour was enormous; the achievement was immense.'

Institution of Engineering & Technology

There is no doubt that this volume is well written, well researched and eminently readable. Readers interested railways in general, and ‘British’, Imperial’ railways in particular may find it worthy of their attention. It is also possible that Historians researching individual national railway histories may find this volume useful, but with the rider that, because of the inadequacies of the Index, their search could become a fool’s errand. Railway enthusiasts and modellers from many countries may also find the early images of their national railways of interest, again with the proviso that searching for said images may be a major undertaking with no guarantee of success. Readers with only a passing interest in railways, who may be wishing for a simple, undemanding adventure story, may also find this volume worthy of their attention as a ‘Wet Sunday afternoon’ read.

NZ Crown Mines

Click here to read the full interview article: Stroud-based author maps Britain's railway empire.

Stroud News & Journal, 7th April 2018