The last journey of William Huskisson - Simon Garfield

From the author of Mauve comes a dramatic and hugely readable account of the day which saw the dawning of the railway age - and the first railway accident.The Liverpool and Manchester Railway was the greatest engineering feat of its age. George and Robert Stephenson's 'Rocket' was to become the most famous locomotive in history. William Huskisson was one of the greatest statesmen of his generation, and certainly the most accident prone. On 15 September 1830, the three met for the first time.'Part biography, part social, part railway history, this is a good example of history-by-episode . . . It is an enjoyable, well-researched and instructive account. By no means is it only for railway buffs, but it might turn you into one.' The Spectator