John Betjeman on Trains

I'm not entirely sure what this book is trying to be. As a Northerner, I would say that it's "neither nowt nor summat". John Betjeman was a known Steam Train enthusiast and much of his time was challenging decisions to close tracks (particularly branchlines) or simply travelling on them and absorbing the surroundings and the smells that come with our beloved steam engines. What Jonathan Glancey has done has taken some of his letters and tried to build a book and the entire history of the railways into it.What he has achieved is a lovely little book with a selection of random letters (there doesn't appear to be any reason for why the letters have been selected) and a a generalised smattering of pictures of steam engines and a bit of train history to go with it.Maybe what has started off as a brilliant idea has been edited a bit too much, at one point, for instance, there's a picture of the old Euston arch with a passing reference to Betjeman trying to save it from being destroyed but there's no follow up to it, other than him not winning it's survival. Surely if this is worth a mention, then the letter (s) - I'm sure there was more than one - should have been printed, who was involved etc.It's a lovely little book, but maybe the contents needed less (or even more) editting.

This is an interesting format, publishing the great mans letters and then providing an insight to what was communicated. I don't think that this concept could work with anyone else but the wonderful Sir JB. The former Poet Laureate and avid fan of and defender of the Railways. Even the most phillistine of us has heard of him, much because he had a common touch. This is portrayed within the book. This book could appeal to readers in a lot of areas. The text is accompanied by some b&w photo's. I think that the bronze of him at St. Pancras is wonderful and a fitting gesture to a great Briton.

Betjeman ..... loved railways with a passion (as he loved England)a beautiful little book if you love trains.There was a statue of him on St.Pancras if I remember correctly.

More of Sir John’s comments on life in his time, together with invaluable insight into the cause of his despair, from a subject expert.

Good book at a good price.

I bought this book for my husband, who is a fan of Betjemen, it was well worth the money and anyone who likes trains should have a copy.Well priced and packaged and was sent within a day or so of ordering.

a delightful period piece in a pocket format

as described