The history of the railways in Ireland is complex; the majority were broad gauge, but there was a substantial number of narrow gauge lines, not to mention one of the few successful monorail systems in the world, and one of the first electrified railways; add in politics and the subject becomes fascinating. Tom Ferris has written a highly readable and illuminating book on the subject, highly recommended in every respect. 238 text pages, plus 32 pages of B&W and 16 of colour photos. Paperback. Gill & Macmillan

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