Christian Wolmar is Britain's foremost writer and broadcaster on transport matters. He writes regularly for a wide variety of publications including the Independent, Evening Standard and Rail magazine, and appears frequently on TV and radio as a commentator. His previous books include the widely acclaimed The Subterranean Railway, Fire and Steam, Blood, Iron and Gold, Engines of War and The Great Railway Revolution.
Christian Wolmar is Britain's foremost railway historian, with almost a dozen books on railways in Britain and abroad. This is one of his best. Witty, fluent and opinionated, he shows a superb grasp of Russia - its people, history and mindset... Wolmar leaves us in awe of an achievement that has made the Trans-Siberian not only the longest but the greatest railway line ever built. The Times Fascinating... An excellent examination of one the most extraordinary engineering feats of the 19th century. Daily Express With characteristic clarity, Wolmar argues that no railway has been so geopolitically important. This may be a heavy burden for a humble iron road to carry, but his history makes a convincing case. -- Andrew Martin Mail on Sunday Does justice to the tale of the world's longest railway... Free of niche anorak jargon, Wolmar's writing is like any self-respecting railway should be: direct, pacey and open to all. Lonely Planet Traveller