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History Search History HistoryThe Subterranean Railway: How the London Underground Was Built and How it Changed the City Forever
Atlantic Books Search Atlantic Books by Christian Wolmar Search Christian Wolmar
Customer Reviews:
A new look at an old system
I was given this book as a present, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am amazed how little I knew about a system I use regularly, and completely agree with the comments in the book that this history should be more prominently displayed on the Underground itself. I am sure many Londoners and tourists would find this interesting. The book emphasizes not only the haphazard growth of the system, but also the role it has played in the expansion of London and surrounding areas.
However, this book could do with some better editing: the first few chapters seem to repeat much of the information while not adding much to the story. It would be good to have a few more pictures and diagrams to show how the lines extended over the years. It is a pity that the modern map is split over two pages - but then again, you can have a much better tube map for free from your nearest London underground station.
In general, an excellent book, and worth buying.
It's a long way to the end of the line
For those who cannot understand why regional rail services today do not run through London and how the 'Tube' developed this will be an informed read. Learning why train operators in the 19th century could do what we have difficulty in doing today says a lot about our lack of vision and the long term planning of our rail 'network'. Full of facts and interest but not something I could read cover to cover in one go. Suitable for students, a long journey, or a rainy day.
Underground, Overground 
This is an excellent book. Mr Wolmar has the knack of presenting this important history in such a manner that the people and events seem to be real and current. There is nothing missed, from the efforts of the early pioneers to the (apparent) falling of scales from the eyes of 21st Century administrators. And it's all readable! The system began in 1864 and is still in full use today, so if you are inquisitive enough to want to how and why, buy this book and read all about it.
Disappointing 
I was after a book that told me how the London Underground was constructed. This book was not it. Apart from a couple of sentences saying that some of the lines were built using 'cut and cover' and 'Greathead Shield' methods nothing else was mentioned. There was no detail on the methods used to construct the lines. Most of the book is taken up by the politics of building the network as it was built by rival companies who were more interested in looking after thier own interests.
I will have to look for another book to find what I want.
Fascinating
I have never liked the underground, I am a clautrophobic country girl. But one thing I have learnt is that if you learn about what you fear you get over that fear. I always thought of the underground as an evil necessity. Not any more. Having read this book next time i go on the underground I will slow my pace and look around me, look for the clues of the underground of yesteryear and imagine what it was like with no ventilation and steam trains - YUCK!
This not only told me about the trains but the social side of London as well. Don't what to tell you more in case I spoil it!!
The only downside is that I don't know London that well so I am not certain where places are when they are mentioned, so a pullout map would have been good so I could visualise the development. I saw on amazon a book of maps over the history of the underground and perhaps that would be good to have on hand when reading the book.
Had there been a decent map I would have given it 5 stars!
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The Enlightened Economist :: The in-pile
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Subterranean-Railway-Underground-Changed-Forever/dp/1843540231/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258049573&sr=8-1. Way, way more interesting than you might think!! What's particularly good about it is that it kind ...
http://blog.enlightenmenteconomics.com/blog/_archives/2009/11/12/4378694.html
subterranean railway [import]
paperback, 2005.
http://www.bookins.com/dvdajax/browseajax.php?isbn=1843540231
