The Railway Traveller's Handy Book: Hints, Suggestions and Advice, before the journey, on the journey and after the journey

by Osprey Publishing

In the aftermath of the 'railway mania' of the 1840s, Britain boasted an unrivalled network of train services. While many people were amazed by the prospect of travelling by these technological marvels, there were many bewildered others. This book, first published in 1862, provided suggestions for making the most of the journey.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

158 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osprey_...

Osprey Publishing is an Oxford-based publishing company specializing in military history. Predominantly an illustrated publisher, many of their books contain full-colour artwork plates, maps and photographs, and the company produces over a dozen ongoing series, each focusing on a specific aspect of the history of warfare. Osprey has published over 2,300 books. They are best known for their Men-at-Arms series, running to over 500 titles, with each book dedicated to a specific historical army or military unit. Osprey is an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing.

Reviews

[David]

This includes a whole scope of advice on how to travel by railway train in 1862.
It reflects and comments on what to do and what you may expect. For instance, do you go by first or third class with lots of other gems.

[Emily]

A gem of a guide, full of vital tips for your train journey such as "always carry brandy-and-water with you", how to defenestrate a quarrelsome fellow passenger, and the importance of putting one's ladies in a carriage before dealing with porters.

It paints a vivid picture of Britain in 1862 as railway journeys became more common, helping people understand the safest way to cross a track (ideally not when you can see a train approaching), how these pesky things called "tickets" work, and short guides to the most popular tourist destinations and exhibitions. You can get into the Woolwich Arsenal for a look around "by application to the Under Secretary of War".

It's great stuff, and shows that though we might giggle at some surface peculiarities, not all that much has actually changed.

[Ryan]

Fun book about railway etiquette from late 1800’s England, just as tourism by rail was starting to take off. Some bits are like a time capsule: lots of concern about accidents, when to ride a train to best avoid an accident, how to protect yourself during an accident, and the importance of railway insurance. Other things don’t change. There are lots of stories showing what to do with loud, obnoxious passengers. My favorite is the description about the old lady who discusses train lines with the ticket agent, hems and haws, and then pays with change in order to explain how important it is to be ready to purchase your tickets so you don’t make other people late.

[Rebecca]

It was an amazing read. It was really interesting (and sometimes funny) to read how people should behave when traveling by train.

[Carol]

Particularly appreciated the section on "Disposal of Ladies and Children."

[Mark Maguire]

Thoroughly entertaining, and proof-positive that the spirit and conventions of Victorian Britain live on within even the most modern railway station or carriage.

Packed full of amusing anecdotes; guidance, and a guide to excursions across available across Britain, this book is both an indespensable travel companion, and window into a lost world, which can only be truly encountered when riding the rails.

[Rachel Gallagher]

An intriguing view of social mores and attitudes from the 1860s. This book is a real gem.

[Rebekka]

Hilarious if you manage not to feel offended by Victorian views about women.