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This is no Ian Allan guide and neither is it an apologia for the Raj – the author is at pains to point out the short-comings of the British and the inadequacy of the legacy left in 1947 as he considers the impact of the iron horse not just on the countryside but also on Indian politics, society, mores and culture. He also looks at the part it played in the awakening of an Indian national consciousness and it continues to play in shaping the modern nation.
Given the fact and detail that ooze from every page, it is reassuring that there are endnotes for each chapter, an exhaustive (11 page) bibliography and an index, although there is no listing by name of the 45 or so railway administrations (or groupings) that existed in the imperial period nor one of the 16 zones that currently make up Indian Railways. There is also scant coverage of the railways of the Princely States.
With the caveat that there is no personal or genealogical data covered, this is a compelling and enjoyable read, wholeheartedly recommended, but maybe a bit pricey in the UK. (Hugh Wilding, FIBIS Trustee)
