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Tram
A rumbling journey through time, TRAM is a book of stories, a celebration of the city's living veins. From the horse-drawn carriages of the 1880s to the sleek modern trams of today, Gregory Gardiner takes us on a fascinating ride through the history and memory of a unique urban icon. This is more than a book about transport; it's a love letter to the trams, the largest network in the world, and the soul of the city they serve.
Step aboard and meet the forgotten pioneers who laid the tracks and shaped the network. Feel the thrill of a 'Gripman' on a rattling cable tram, learn how to navigate a mighty W class, and take a trip to the beach for a swim at the legendary Tramways Baths. Through a unique blend of historical research, personal remembrance, and imagination, Gardiner brings to life a century of movement and change.
But the journey is as much about the passengers as the trams. As the narrator travels the system, we meet a diverse cast of the contemplative existentialist on route 57, the carefree surfer on number 72, the insightful grief counselor on route 11, and a vibrant artist who painted the 48. These fleeting encounters reveal the tapestry of human experience, the quiet dramas and small joys that unfold daily on the city's rails.
Woven throughout these modern vignettes are the author’s own childhood memories, his journeys with his mother on the old green trams, a poignant reflection on the past that enriches the present. Gregory Gardiner's TRAM is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever gazed out a tram window and wondered about the stories of the people around them. It is a heartfelt tribute to the trams that connect us to our history, our city, and each other.
Step aboard and meet the forgotten pioneers who laid the tracks and shaped the network. Feel the thrill of a 'Gripman' on a rattling cable tram, learn how to navigate a mighty W class, and take a trip to the beach for a swim at the legendary Tramways Baths. Through a unique blend of historical research, personal remembrance, and imagination, Gardiner brings to life a century of movement and change.
But the journey is as much about the passengers as the trams. As the narrator travels the system, we meet a diverse cast of the contemplative existentialist on route 57, the carefree surfer on number 72, the insightful grief counselor on route 11, and a vibrant artist who painted the 48. These fleeting encounters reveal the tapestry of human experience, the quiet dramas and small joys that unfold daily on the city's rails.
Woven throughout these modern vignettes are the author’s own childhood memories, his journeys with his mother on the old green trams, a poignant reflection on the past that enriches the present. Gregory Gardiner's TRAM is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever gazed out a tram window and wondered about the stories of the people around them. It is a heartfelt tribute to the trams that connect us to our history, our city, and each other.
351 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 27, 2025
I really didn’t expect to enjoy a story about the history of Melbourne trams (gifted from a friend) but I loved this book! It’s a quirky, engaging and entertaining tale of an older man who develops a possibly terminal illness, so elects to quit his job and travel the extensive network of Melbourne trams (the largest in the world I’ve now learnt!).
As he does so, we move around in history, not just from the protagonist’s childhood to present day, but from the 1800’s across the 20th and 21st centuries and into the future, with some ancient indigenous history tossed in to the mix. Our character relates an array of conversations with a wide diversity of fellow tram travellers - these are sad, funny, interesting and entertaining.
I learnt a lot about the history of trams, their various versions and models, the key figures involved and about a range of landmarks around Melbourne, some still with us and others sadly gone, but the tone is conversational and humourous, never dry and stuffy.
Whilst “Tram” will particularly appeal to Melbournians familiar with the city and tram network, it is a unique gem of a book which I would recommend to all.
As he does so, we move around in history, not just from the protagonist’s childhood to present day, but from the 1800’s across the 20th and 21st centuries and into the future, with some ancient indigenous history tossed in to the mix. Our character relates an array of conversations with a wide diversity of fellow tram travellers - these are sad, funny, interesting and entertaining.
I learnt a lot about the history of trams, their various versions and models, the key figures involved and about a range of landmarks around Melbourne, some still with us and others sadly gone, but the tone is conversational and humourous, never dry and stuffy.
Whilst “Tram” will particularly appeal to Melbournians familiar with the city and tram network, it is a unique gem of a book which I would recommend to all.
January 15, 2026
Tram is a surprise and a delight!
Greg has chosen a unique genre that allows him the freedom to combine his creative writing talent with his exceptional research skills, passion for Melbourne's history and all things trams. Who would have thought this subject could be so interesting and at times even compelling! He cleverly draws us into the personal stories of his characters so I genuinely wanted to know more about them and their lives.
I've learnt so much about my chosen city and how it's physical growth and social habits developed, largely in sync with our expanding tram routes throughout the late 19th and 20th century.
I highly recommend Tram for anyone who appreciates our wonderful city, values public transport and is after an entertaining, informative read.
Greg has chosen a unique genre that allows him the freedom to combine his creative writing talent with his exceptional research skills, passion for Melbourne's history and all things trams. Who would have thought this subject could be so interesting and at times even compelling! He cleverly draws us into the personal stories of his characters so I genuinely wanted to know more about them and their lives.
I've learnt so much about my chosen city and how it's physical growth and social habits developed, largely in sync with our expanding tram routes throughout the late 19th and 20th century.
I highly recommend Tram for anyone who appreciates our wonderful city, values public transport and is after an entertaining, informative read.
January 7, 2026
An extremely well researched and engaging history of Melbourne's trams and society.
TRAM follows multiple first person narrators from the storied establishment of the network in the late 1800s, to the present day, taking the reader on journeys on historic and present routes through the eyes of personal and historical characters. This makes for a captivating read that never feels dry, with impressive detail and description of how trams transformed Melbourne both physically and socially.
TRAM follows multiple first person narrators from the storied establishment of the network in the late 1800s, to the present day, taking the reader on journeys on historic and present routes through the eyes of personal and historical characters. This makes for a captivating read that never feels dry, with impressive detail and description of how trams transformed Melbourne both physically and socially.
February 16, 2026
Highly recommended, especially for anyone living in or a lover of Melbourne. A unique memoir/travelogue/history told with curiosity, imagination and good humour, but never pretentious or purple.
Even if you don’t think you’re into public transport, this book will have you nodding and smiling as Greg reminds you of the subtle distinctions of each route and therefore each part of (mostly) inner Melbourne.
Even if you don’t think you’re into public transport, this book will have you nodding and smiling as Greg reminds you of the subtle distinctions of each route and therefore each part of (mostly) inner Melbourne.
November 12, 2025
Well I just loved this book, the people, the machines, the aspiration and inspiration , the history, the extraordinaryness layered under the ordinaryness of my familiar places. Who would have thought ? I certainly didn't until I read this.
November 11, 2025
Wow. What a fabulous romp through Melbourne history, all in the comfort of a tram. Wonderful story telling.
December 15, 2025
A wonderful read of trips on every tram route in Melbourne, the history of the buildings and areas, interspersed with stories of and from the current passengers met along the way.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews