As well as covering the first train systems, such as the donkey-hauled Surrey Iron Railway which led the Stockton & Darlington of 1825, this work also shows why the railways began, free markets of transport open to all who would pay a toll. Parliament wanted to maximise competition, though.;By 1870 the railway companies had become great public institutions but did not make much money. Spasmodic bouts of competition increased speed and magnificence, though not profits. The railways finally amalgamated to form a national network by 1900 but by then there were new industries to attract away the capital they needed.
- ISBN10 0719557461
- ISBN13 9780719557460
- Publish Date 25 February 1999 (first published 16 October 1997)
- Publish Status Transferred
- Out of Print 31 August 2000
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher John Murray Press
- Imprint John Murray Publishers Ltd
- Edition New edition
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 432
- Language English