A bit OT, but the best books I have read so far on the LNER are The Great Central in LNER Days Vols 1 and 2 by David Jackson and Owen Russell.
Actually, the title is little misleading, as they cover only the period from grouping to the outbreak of WWII.
They are intelligently written and appear to be the result of much research. Most importantly, they don't attempt to cover too much ground, but instead concentrate on a series of vignettes. The chapter on the Garratt is a real eye-opener and details the confusion surrounding the concept, design and operation of this loco.
Highly recommended as a specialised book on LNER history.
Best introduction books to LNER History
Moderators: 52D, Tom F, Rlangham, Atlantic 3279, Blink Bonny, Saint Johnstoun, richard
-
Pyewipe Junction
- GCR D11 4-4-0 'Improved Director'
- Posts: 464
- Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 5:53 am
- Location: Canberra, Australia
-
Hatfield Shed
- LNER A4 4-6-2 'Streak'
- Posts: 1711
- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2011 3:34 pm
Re: Best introduction books to LNER History
I'd support the Hughes account as presenting a balanced appraisal. Essential reading for the southern half of the ECML in my view, not yet mentioned in this thread, is the account of 'The History of the Great Northern Railway' by Charles H Grinling. Doubtless there are similar titles that can be identified for the other railways in the group. There's a hundred years of 'stuff' before the LNER, and it shapes a lot of what happened.
It may well be the complete opposite of what is happening on the ground, if you know where to look. The right on, hip and totally responsible 'Sustainable Ethical Knitted and Sewn Yoghurt' corporation all unknown to its board is busily sourcing its products by the efforts of thousands of effective slaves out there in Nowhereistania.
I've been in the room when two guys from H-headquarters -Q came to present to us:
Presentation 1, People are our greatest asset, and you have done an exceptional job;
Presentation 2, We're shutting you down, effective month end...
This is the fundamental problem, it looks different to everyone. In a large organisation the guys on the board and their direct executive reports will have an opinion based on the evidence that reaches them.65447 wrote:...However it's not until you get into things in greater depth and apply some curiosity that you realise that there can be various different views of events or opinions of individuals. The same with that reading list, it's one person's take on the literature.
It may well be the complete opposite of what is happening on the ground, if you know where to look. The right on, hip and totally responsible 'Sustainable Ethical Knitted and Sewn Yoghurt' corporation all unknown to its board is busily sourcing its products by the efforts of thousands of effective slaves out there in Nowhereistania.
I've been in the room when two guys from H-headquarters -Q came to present to us:
Presentation 1, People are our greatest asset, and you have done an exceptional job;
Presentation 2, We're shutting you down, effective month end...