,

Pioneers of steam power celebrated in ‘Before Rocket’

by

When most people think about the birth of the steam locomotive, they think of Robert Stephenson’s famous Rocket – but that engine followed more than 20 years of development during the late Georgian era.

Author and historian Anthony Dawson has written a new book, aptly titled Before Rocket – The Steam Locomotive up to 1829, which goes back to the very earliest days of steam to discover the pioneering engines and their creators.

Related articles

Alongside Cornishman Richard Trevithick, who is generally considered to have built the first steam locomotive, Dawson chronicles the work of John Blenkinsop and Matthew Murray, who designed and built the first practical railway locomotive in 1812, William Brunton and his ‘Mechanical Horse’ and many more.

Article continues below…
Advert

Enjoy more Steams Days Magazine reading every month.
Click here to subscribe & save.

Before Rocket, based on extensive research of archival material, is fully illustrated with dozens of rare drawings and illustrations to tell the story of the events leading up to 1829, when Rocket was the only locomotive to complete the famous Rainhill Trials.

Dawson explores and explains the crucible of innovation and ingenuity which forged the beginnings of the great age of steam that followed.

Before Rocket – The Steam Locomotive up to 1829 costs £12.99 and is available from www.mortonsbooks.co.uk

Article continues below…
Advert


Subscribe to Steam Days Magazine
Enjoy more Steam Days Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


Article Tags:

About the Author