Cathedrals of Steam

Wolmar's subject matter is how London came to have twelve major mainline train stations, more than any other capital city in the world. Spoiler alert: blame the Victorians. His account is both a history of London—for the city's evolution and development of its railway network was symbiotic—and a narrative of capitalist competition. Stations evolved from being utilitarian (from where people got trains) to showpieces, or the metaphorical cathedrals of the title of this work. London's grandest stations were marvels of Victorian pomp and design. It is hard to fault Wolmar either for his trivia or the passion he has for his subject matter. I felt he was strongest when making bigger-picture observations, especially on completion of the network (per Chapter 11). It is also fascinating how London and its stations (per Paddington, King's Cross and St Pancras recently) continue to reinvent themselves. There is hope for Euston yet.

By Christian Wolmar