Description

Book Synopsis

'A trip back in time' DAILY TELEGRAPH

A love of railways, a love of history, a love of nostalgia.
______________________________

Get ready to board the slow train to another era, to a time when travel meant more than hurrying from one place to the next. On the Slow Train will reconnect you with that long-missed need for escape, and reminds us to lift our heads from the daily grind and remember that there are still places in Britain where we can take the time to stop and stare.

This book is a paean to another age: before milk churns, train porters and cats on seats were replaced by security announcements and Burger King wrappers. These 12 spectacular journeys will help free us from what Baudelaire denounced as 'the horrible burden of time.'
___________________________________

'Captivating' SUNDAY EXPRESS

'Deep in our soul, the railways represent an idyll that we love' INDEPENDENT

'A magical world, barely changed since the golden age of rail' DAILY MAIL

'Superb' RAILYWAY MAGAZINE

'Memory lane . . . An intriguing social snapshot' HERITAGE RAILWAY



Trade Review
The author does take us along memory lane , but his description of each route also encapsulates a taste of 21st century Britain gleaned from talking to the people he meets along the way ... an intriguing social snapshot * Heritage Railway *
The author's superb narrative, interspersed with dry humour, acute observations and some excellent anecdotes that make you feel you know the lines so well that you want to travel on them ... there are some wonderful bitter-sweet moments emerging from the pages, as the reader is taken on a fascinating series of journeys ... I enjoyed this book immensely. It's a great anytime read and hope the publishers can be persuaded to to commission a second volume * Railway Magazine *
A magical world barely changed since the golden age of rail * Daily Mail *
Williams manages to meet a range of characters who enliven the book and provide evidence of a Britain that is as forgotten as the lines on which he travels. That is the strength of the book. Williams does not just offer the journey but takes us through the history of each line and importantly meets the people who have campaigned to keep them open or ensure their smooth operation ... -- Christian Wolmar * The Oldie *
Deep in our soul, the railways represent an idyll that we love * Independent *

On The Slow Train: Twelve Great British Railway

    Product form

    £9.49

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £9.99 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 24 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Michael Williams

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of On The Slow Train: Twelve Great British Railway by Michael Williams

      Publisher: Cornerstone
      Publication Date: 07/04/2011
      ISBN13: 9781848092082, 978-1848092082
      ISBN10: 1848092083

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      'A trip back in time' DAILY TELEGRAPH

      A love of railways, a love of history, a love of nostalgia.
      ______________________________

      Get ready to board the slow train to another era, to a time when travel meant more than hurrying from one place to the next. On the Slow Train will reconnect you with that long-missed need for escape, and reminds us to lift our heads from the daily grind and remember that there are still places in Britain where we can take the time to stop and stare.

      This book is a paean to another age: before milk churns, train porters and cats on seats were replaced by security announcements and Burger King wrappers. These 12 spectacular journeys will help free us from what Baudelaire denounced as 'the horrible burden of time.'
      ___________________________________

      'Captivating' SUNDAY EXPRESS

      'Deep in our soul, the railways represent an idyll that we love' INDEPENDENT

      'A magical world, barely changed since the golden age of rail' DAILY MAIL

      'Superb' RAILYWAY MAGAZINE

      'Memory lane . . . An intriguing social snapshot' HERITAGE RAILWAY



      Trade Review
      The author does take us along memory lane , but his description of each route also encapsulates a taste of 21st century Britain gleaned from talking to the people he meets along the way ... an intriguing social snapshot * Heritage Railway *
      The author's superb narrative, interspersed with dry humour, acute observations and some excellent anecdotes that make you feel you know the lines so well that you want to travel on them ... there are some wonderful bitter-sweet moments emerging from the pages, as the reader is taken on a fascinating series of journeys ... I enjoyed this book immensely. It's a great anytime read and hope the publishers can be persuaded to to commission a second volume * Railway Magazine *
      A magical world barely changed since the golden age of rail * Daily Mail *
      Williams manages to meet a range of characters who enliven the book and provide evidence of a Britain that is as forgotten as the lines on which he travels. That is the strength of the book. Williams does not just offer the journey but takes us through the history of each line and importantly meets the people who have campaigned to keep them open or ensure their smooth operation ... -- Christian Wolmar * The Oldie *
      Deep in our soul, the railways represent an idyll that we love * Independent *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account