Christian Wolmar's biggest paperback yet. Blood, Iron and Gold tells the dramatic story of the people and events that shaped the world's railways and how the railways changed the world.

'Full of wondrous curiosities... This authoritative and highly readable book will remain the definitive history for years to come.' Michael Williams, Daily Telegraph

The birth of the railways and their rapid spread across the world triggered economic growth and social change on an unprecedented scale.

From Panama to the Punjab, Tasmania to Turin, Blood, Iron and Gold describes the vision and determination of the pioneers who developed railways that would link cities that had hitherto been isolated, and would one day span continents. Christian Wolmar reveals how the rise of the train stimulating daring feats of engineering, architectural innovation and the rapid movement of people and goods around the world. He shows how cultures were enriched - and destroyed - by the unrelenting construction and how the railways played a vital role in civil conflict, as well as in two world wars.