From the bestselling author of Everything Is Beautiful, comes an utterly heartwarming new novel, about what it truly means to belong to those you love.'A warm-hearted, emotional read' Daily Mail'Gripping, endearing and thought-provoking, this beautifully woven novel championing family, solidarity and friendship is full of warmth and heart. A joy from start to finish - one not to miss' HOLLY MILLER'Joyful and tender' Woman's Own'The Art of Belonging is just the loveliest, uplifting novel and fills the soul with joy' LORNA COOK'A delightful, big-hearted story of family and forgiveness' Good HousekeepingSee the Stars, Eleanor Ray's heartwarming new novel is available to preorder now! Filled with heart and warmth, this uplifting novel reminds us all that we need the darkness if we want to see the stars.................................................Sometimes you need to open your heart to find where you truly belong . . .When unexpected circumstances bring Grace's estranged daughter, Amelia, and granddaughter, Charlotte, to live in her home, complicated feelings start to emerge, revealing a messy and emotional past which drove this family apart.It will take a school mystery, an exquisite miniature railway and some brave decisions to help them each find not only themselves, but also each other - and to appreciate what it truly means to belong together.This uplifting novel will warm your heart and touch your soul, and remind you of all the reasons humans can be downright wonderful.................................................'Heartfelt and heartwarming, this uplifting read is full of characters to cherish and cheer for' PHAEDRA PATRICK'This beautifully written story perfectly captures the messy, complicated thing that is family' NICOLA GILL'The Art of Belonging is a gorgeous read . . . Eleanor Ray has created a warm hug of a book that will capture your heart' HEATHER CRITCHLOW'A delicious indulgence of a novel - rich, warm, and packed to bursting with heart, hope and compassion' KATE SIMANTS'A wonderful story, beautifully told. A book full of love and new beginnings and optimism' SAM HOLLAND'An absolute joy to read. Such a perfectly spun heartwarming tale of love, loss, redemption and reinvention' ROBERT SCRAGG'Full of heart, humour and compassion, this is a story to savour' JO FURNISS, author Dead Mile'A precious story of family, love and adventure that will touch your soul and leave you smiling' CAMERON WARD, author of A Stranger On Board and The Safe HouseEverything Is Beautiful was richly praised:'A joy' BETH O'LEARY'Beautifully written' KATIE FFORDE'A moving, tender book' PANDORA SYKES Read more

This ultimate train sticker book is great for children obsessed with railways and engines. With over 60 reusable stickers, children can learn about everything from early steam trains right up to Japanese bullet trains.Packed with fun facts and interesting information for budding engineers, children can expand their knowledge and get creative with this train activity book. Children can discover what a chaldron is, which world record the Mallard locomotive set, and when the French TGV trains were introduced.With stickers that can be reused and moved, the Train Ultimate Sticker Book is a perfect book for children aged 5 to 7 fascinated by this terrific transport. Read more

Experience the world by train alongside best-selling travel writer Tom Chesshyre, as he takes a whistle-stop tour around the globe in 49 unique journeys Why do people love trains so much? Tom Chesshyre is on a mission to find the answer by experiencing the world through train travel – on both epic and everyday rail routes, aboard every type of ride, from steam locomotives to bullet trains, meeting a cast of memorable characters who share a passion for train travel. Join him on the rails and off the beaten track as he embarks on an exhilarating whistle-stop tour around the globe, on journeys on celebrated trains and railways including: India’s famed toy train Sri Lanka’s Reunification Express The Indian Pacific across the Australian outback The Shanghai maglev And the picturesque rail journeys of the Scottish Highlands Plus trains through Kosovo, North Macedonia, Turkey, Iran, Finland, Russia, America and France, with short interludes in North Korea, Italy, Poland, Peru, Switzerland, England and Lithuania. All aboard! Read more

“A fascinating story” of the railways that linked America from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (The Washington Post).  Hear that Lonesome Whistle Blow unspools the history of the beginnings of the American railroad system. By the mid-nineteenth century, settlers in Missouri and California were separated by a vast landscape that dwarfed and isolated them, conquerable only by “the demonic power of the Iron Horse and its bands of iron track.” Although the building of the great railroad is commonly known as a story of romance, adventure, and progress, it also has a dark side, as profiteers decimated American Indian tribes, exploited workers, and destroyed ecosystems. Despite this, by the turn of the twentieth century, five major railroads would span the continent. This account vividly illustrates the railroad builders’ breathtaking skill, ambition, and ingenuity. . Brown compellingly tells a high-stakes tale, an exhilarating history that still holds lessons for today. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Dee Brown including rare photos from the author’s personal collection. Read more

Looking for your next adventure? This rail map of Europe is the perfect planning and travel companionEver wanted to wake up in Paris, have lunch in Geneva and fall asleep in Rome? By using Europe's extensive train network, that dream can be a reality!With a durable card-cover, clear mapping and essential travel information and inspiration, there's no better way to plan your plane-free journey around Europe. Showing all the essential railways across the continent, differentiating between high-speed and normal lines for ease of use, this two-sided map provides full coverage of mainland Europe and the United Kingdom.Additional features include:Suggested itineraries and routes as sources of inspirationInformation about each country accompanied by beautiful picturesTips for European travel, including information about ticket types and passes, currencies, train company websites, and safety information for travellersA country-by-country station finder section to make searching easier'Where to go and when' calendar to plan your travels aroundA practical tool for use on-the-go, as well as a source of inspiration for planning your dream trip – this is the perfect gift for anyone setting off on a sustainable adventure around Europe. Read more

'Pulsing with wisdom and humanity... a masterpiece' ED YONG'A hopeful, lyrical - even beautiful - hymn to the systems of mutual aid we embed in our material world' CORY DOCTOROW'An extraordinary book' MARK MIODOWNIK'You won't see the world the same after reading this book!' AUSTIN KLEONEvery day, we are granted the power to travel at high speeds, fly, see in the dark, summon water from distant mountains and electricity from the sun. The systems that run our world are invisible to us until they fail.Infrastructure enables lives of astounding ease and freedom that would have been unimaginable just a century ago. These technological systems - the most complex and vast ever created by humans - have allowed us to work collectively for the public good. But these systems are now beginning to fail us.Engineering professor Deb Chachra takes readers on a fascinating tour of these essential utilities, revealing how they work, what it takes to keep them running, and just how much they shape our lives - but also the price they extract, who pays it and in what ways, as well as the threats to our infrastructure in a changing world.From Snowdonia's Electric Mountain to a solar plant in southern India, Chachra shows how we can rebuild our shared infrastructure to be not just functional but also equitable, resilient, and sustainable. We need to learn how to see these systems and to transform them, together, because the cost of not being able to rely on them is unthinkably high. Read more

The breathtaking historical fantasy set onboard the Great Trans-Siberian Express 'Imagine a crossover between Murder on the Orient Express, Game of Thrones and Paradise Lost . . . Brooks has serious talent' SUNDAY TIMES'I was completely transported by this book . . . I urge everybody to pick up a copy' STUART TURTON'Breathtaking . . . Abounding with mysteries and marvels' SAMANTHA SHANNON'Exceptional. Strange, addictive, immersive, it's a steampunk Piranesi meets His Dark Materials' JENNIE GODFREY'Mysterious and clever and brilliant' NATASHA PULLEYIt is said there is a price that every passenger must pay. A price beyond the cost of a ticket.It is the end of the nineteenth century and the world is awash with marvels. But there is nothing so marvellous as the Wastelands: a terrain of terrible miracles that lies between Beijing and Moscow.Nothing touches the Wastelands except the Great Trans-Siberian Express: an impenetrable train built to carry cargo across continents, but which now transports anyone who dares.Onto the platform steps a curious cast of characters: Marya, a grieving woman with a borrowed name; Weiwei, a famous child born on the train; and Henry Grey, a disgraced naturalist.But there are whispers that the train isn't safe. As secrets and stories begin to unravel, the passengers and crew must survive their journey together, even as something uncontrollable seems to be breaking in . . . Read more

The formative years of Britain’s railway network produced a host of ideas, activities and characters, quite a few of which now seem not only highly unusual, but sometimes little short of ridiculous. Weird schemes and designs, extravagant behaviour, reckless competition and larger-than-life characters all featured in the genuine struggle of the railway system to evolve. While the dawning of regulation and common sense brought about more uniform and responsible practices, factors like the weather and the innate complexity of railway operation continued to produce a stream of nonstandard incidents and outcomes, from wild storms to unusual equipment. This book, by ex-railwaymen Geoff and Ian Body, captures over 150 entertaining snippets, stories, and strange and unusual facts from an ample supply of railway curiosities. Read more

All aboard the puzzle train!This book is fully loaded with 200 railway-themed puzzles, perfect for aficionados as well as inquisitive commutersMore than just a means of transport, trains have changed the world. Across centuries and continents, they've been unstoppable. But when you're sitting back in your seat on a long rail journey, why not pause for a puzzle or two?From quick quizzes and riddles to more leisurely crosswords and sudoku, whether you're a locomotive obsessive or just enjoy the occasional trip, there's plenty in these pages to fire up your mental furnace and keep you going full steam ahead to the end of the line.Inside you will find a rich variety of puzzles, including these:- Find the names of world-famous locomotives within word searches- Shuffle the letters of anagrams to identify essential railway paraphernalia- Guess the meaning of some technical train-related terms- Figure out what happened during strange-but-true incidents from railway history Read more

Join Thomas and his friends for a sticker adventure on the Island of Sodor!Complete the sticker scenes with your fun stickers as the engines play on the farm, race around Knapford Station, puff down to the Docks and lots more!Join Thomas, Percy, Nia and Diesel as well as their new friend Kana as they learn and play around Sodor. Including over 75 stickers, this fun book is sure to keep little engineers entertained.Thomas has been teaching children lessons about life and friendship for over 75 years. He ranks alongside other beloved character such as Paddington Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh and Peter Rabbit as an essential part of our literary heritage. Read more

Looking for a sustainable and stress-free way to explore Europe? Hop on board the continent's railway network with this ultimate guide to train travel. Whether you want to take it slow on the scenic route or make the most of the newest high-speed services to get straight to your destination, Lonely Planet's experts show you how to plan your journey.Packed with detailed gatefold route maps and insider tips, we cover everything from how to piece together a long-distance trip to the must-see stops and best ways to book value-for-money tickets. As airlines cut back flights and airfares rise, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the increasing overnight services and flexible fares being offered. We also reveal the quirks of different operators and countries, such as luggage allowances, rules and regulations, and what facilities are on board. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly, convenient - and sometimes quicker - way to get from A to B as you travel throughout the continent, Lonely Planet's Guide to Train Travel in Europe will equip you to make the most of your time and budget.high-speed services in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Spainscenic local routes in key countries including the UK and Scandinavia sleeper and long-distance services across the continentAbout Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, eBooks, and more. Read more

British Railways Locomotives & Coaching Stock 2025 is the definitive guide to all locomotives, coaching stock and multiple units that run on Britain’s main line railways. It contains complete fleet lists of every item of rolling stock with owner, operator, livery and depot allocation information for every vehicle in service. This essential reference book is fully updated to early 2025 and includes details of all new rolling stock on order for delivery in 2025. Includes the following: Locomotives Diesel Multiple Units Electric Multiple Units Loco-Hauled Coaching Stock On-Track Machines Network Rail Service Stock Rolling Stock Awaiting Disposal Multiple Unit & HST Formations Lists of Depots & Workshops Owner and Operator Information Livery Details 64 pages of colour illustrations British Railways Locomotives & Coaching Stock 2025 will also contain a comprehensive overview of Britain’s railway network today including details of all passenger train operators and major freight operators, plus a wealth of useful technical data for every class of vehicle. 432 pages. Hardback. Read more

Railway modelling is the most creative of all such pastimes; it is a magical mix of artistic talent, engineering skill, scholarly research and imaginative supposition, but above all else, it is thoroughly absorbing and can be the greatest of fun. Whether you are an absolute beginner, someone returning to the hobby as retirement beckons, or a lifelong enthusiast, you will find Your Guide to Railway Modelling & Layout Construction an invaluable asset in your model maker’s reference library. Written and produced by the team of expert modellers and layout builders who bring you Railway Modeller every month, this is the first volume in a brand new Peco Modeller's Library of shows you-how style manuals. The book is divided into three main sections; an Introduction, which summarises the state of the hobby today and explains some of the initial choices that you will have to make; Practical Guidance, which takes you through all the stages of layout construction, from developing your plan to adding the finishing touches; and Skills Workshop, which is all about acquiring some of the key practical skills to help you develop your modelling expertise. All in all, just about everything you will ever need to know about building a layout. Let’s go Railway Modelling! Read more

Discover how to explore Europe sustainably with this ultimate collection of 80 no-fly itineraries. Featuring trips that range from a weekend to a month, we show you how to avoid chaotic airports and reduce the carbon footprint of your travel with detailed route maps and transport connection information for trains, buses, ferries and more.Embark on a Norwegian rail odyssey; island-hop across Croatia by ferry; hike into the wild heartland of Scotland; or combine wine, surf and easy-going cycling along France’s Atlantic Coast. Each itinerary is plotted step-by-step on a map with the transport logistics of how to get to the next destination along with details of the duration between each stop. Whether you’re looking for a city escape, to explore natural wonders or indulge in delicious eating and drinking experiences, there’s expert recommendations for all interests about day trips to take along the way.Inside Flight-Free Europe: - 80 no-fly itineraries each of which features suggested ways to get to the start of the route, comprehensive transport connection guidance, vibrant photography, a map and fact box which details the trip’s carbon count, suggested duration and transport budget - Recommended forms of transport include train, bus, ferry, bicycle and electric/hybrid car- Activity themes for each trip are indicated by icons and encompass food and drink; wellness and relaxation; sights and history; adventure; arts and culture; and nature- Covers Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, WalesIf you’re motivated to travel more sustainably while still enjoying the best experiences that Europe has to offer, this book will show you how to discover Europe’s edges and everywhere in between via more climate-friendly forms of travel.About Lonely PlanetLonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is the world's number one travel guidebook brand. Providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973, Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travellers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com and join our community of followers on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet), Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet), and TikTok (@lonelyplanet).'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' – Fairfax Media (Australia) Read more

Moving from a train set out of a box to making your own model railway can seem a daunting proposition. Whether you go your own way, wish to follow a prototype tightly or have an inherited stock that you want to make the best of. This book covers the act of deciding on a design that will keep the interest alive. Executing it in a manner that is within your skills set, and finishing it to a quality you are satisfied by within a time and financial limit. Here learning from those who have had both successes and the occasional false start will assist you in execution of your project and maintaining its interest. The book aims to explain jargon and includes such subjects as project design and planning, alternative baseboard construction methods, track laying, basic electrics accompanied by a rich and varied imagery. The Market Deeping Model railway club rose to public notice in May 2019 following the sad overnight vandalism of their annual railway show. The breaking news story became a worldwide cause célèbre bringing a whirlwind of kind support from modelers and the general public. The rebuilding of the club's damaged layouts and new projects for replacements gave the rare opportunity of experienced modelers to photograph and document the build process and revisit the basics. The results are incorporated into this book making a positive and cathartic activity from a distinctly negative situation. Read more

WINNER OF THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER AWARD FOR BEST TRAVEL BOOKSHORTLISTED FOR THE STANFORD DOLMAN TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD'Monisha Rajesh has chosen one of the best ways of seeing the world. Never too fast, never too slow, her journey does what trains do best. Getting to the heart of things. Prepare for a very fine ride' Michael PalinFrom the cloud-skimming heights of Tibet's Qinghai railway to silk-sheeted splendour on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Around the World in 80 Trains is a celebration of the glory of train travel and a witty and irreverent look at the world. Packing up her rucksack - and her fiancé, Jem - Monisha Rajesh embarks on an unforgettable adventure that takes her from London's St Pancras station to the vast expanses of Russia and Mongolia, North Korea, Canada, Kazakhstan, and beyond. The journey is one of constant movement and mayhem, as the pair strike up friendships and swap stories with the hilarious, irksome and ultimately endearing travellers they meet on board, all while taking in some of the earth's most breathtaking views. Read more

Thomas the Tank Engine meets the dinosaurs in this brand-new picture book.Thomas the Tank Engine isn’t afraid of anything & or is he? When dinosaurs are spotted on the Island of Sodor, it’s another engine who turns out to be the bravest of all.Featuring a terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex, a spikey Triceratops and an enormous Diplodocus, this story will delight fans of dinosaurs and trains alike.Thomas has been teaching children lessons about life and friendship for 75 years. He ranks alongside other beloved characters such as Paddington Bear, Winnie the Pooh and Peter Rabbit as and essential part of our literary heritage.More Thomas stories to share:Thomas & Friends: Thomas and the Spring Surprise – 9781405292917Thomas & Friends: A Visit to London for Thomas the Tank Engine – 9781405281263 Read more

Gareth Dennis explores the transformative potential of railways in the fight for a more equitable and sustainable future. In this compelling book, railway engineer and transport policy specialist Gareth Dennis argues for the vital role of railways, questioning their historical roots in capital and empire while advocating for their potential as a common good. He makes a strong case for railways as critical tools for humanity's survival and progress. Key themes and highlights include: - Historical Context: Understanding the origins of railways as tools for extraction and exploitation and questioning their legitimacy in today's world. - Railways as a Common Good: Advocating for the railways to serve humanity's interests and contribute to societal well-being. - Impact of Technology: Analysing the threats and opportunities presented by new technologies in the railway sector. - Democratic Power Distribution: Exploring how railways can influence and enhance democratic processes. - Addressing Climate Change: Investigating the role of railways in mitigating the impacts of climate change and promoting sustainable transport solutions. Through a global journey, from Virgin Hyperloop's abandoned test track in the Nevada desert to the bustling stations of Northern England, Dennis illustrates how railways can shape our future choices, emphasising the importance of taking a long-term view to improve transport systems for the better. With deep knowledge of railways, history, and politics, How the Railways Will Fix the Future equips readers with essential tools to tackle crucial questions about the purpose and beneficiaries of our railway systems. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in transport policy, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Read more

The perfect gift for every railway enthusiast.The history of Britain’s railways is a long and fascinating one, filled with stories of grand endeavours, noted figures and record-breaking feats. Julian Holland brings together a unique miscellany of intriguing tales and engaging trivia – the perfect collection for every railway enthusiast.Stories range from Bulleid’s 'Chinese Laundries', trainspotting trips in Wales and Scotland and Liverpool’s ‘Dockers’ Umbrella' to railway artists and clergy, a railway-owned airline and railways that were never built.Find out about• The Royal Scot’s 11,000-mile journey in the USA and Canada• A narrow gauge island railway in the middle of the Bristol Channel• How the London & South Western Railway saved the British Empire• Mallard’s unbeaten world speed record of 1938• How to fly by Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Plymouth• The 75-mile network of narrow gauge railways on the Isle of Skye• How another 4,500 miles of railway escaped closure by Dr BeechingAll Aboard is a delightful miscellany for every railway enthusiast, filled with fascinating and obscure stories, facts and figures. Read more