The Story of the Cambrian A Biography of a Railway   By: C. P. (Charles Penrhyn) Gasquoine (1871-)

The Story of the Cambrian is an impressive biography of a railway, penned by C.P. Gasquoine. The author takes readers on a captivating journey through the history of the Cambrian Railway, tracing its remarkable birth, growth, and eventual decline.

Gasquoine exhibits immense dedication to research, ensuring that every aspect of the railway's narrative is presented with accuracy and detail. It is evident that the author took great care in compiling this biography, drawing from various first-hand accounts, archival records, and interviews. As a result, readers are treated to a comprehensive and well-rounded portrayal of the railway's development.

One of the book's standout features is its ability to transport readers back in time. Gasquoine distinctly captures the atmosphere of the Victorian era, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and challenges faced by the railway during its infancy. The descriptions of bustling stations, whistle-blowing locomotives, and the tireless work of railway workers evoke a vivid sense of time and place.

Furthermore, Gasquoine skillfully balances the technical aspects of the railway's construction and operations with the human stories that underpin its existence. This delicate blend makes the narrative all the more engaging, allowing for a deeper understanding of the railway's significance and impact on the communities it served.

In addition to his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Gasquoine's writing style is accessible and engaging. The book flows smoothly, and the author's passion for the subject matter shines through. Even those with limited knowledge of railways will find themselves easily absorbed in the story, enthralled by Gasquoine's ability to bring the past to life.

While The Story of the Cambrian excels in many areas, it is not without its minor flaws. At times, the level of technical detail may be overwhelming for casual readers, but this is a testament to Gasquoine's dedication to authenticity. Furthermore, the author occasionally delves into tangents and digressions that, while interesting, may detract from the main narrative. However, these issues are minor in comparison to the book's overall strengths.

In conclusion, The Story of the Cambrian is an exceptional biography that transports readers to a bygone era, chronicling the life and times of a significant railway. C.P. Gasquoine's attention to detail, combined with his masterful storytelling, results in a captivating narrative that will enthrall railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

First Page:

Credit for the inspiration of this book belongs to my friend, Mr. W. R. Hall, of Aberystwyth, who, in one of his interesting series of "Reminiscences" of half a century of Welsh journalism, contributed to the "Cambrian News," recently expressed his surprise that no one had hitherto attempted to write the history of the Cambrian Railways. With the termination of that Company's separate existence, on its amalgamation with the Great Western Railway under the Government's grouping scheme, "the hour" for such an effort seems to have struck; and Mr. Hall's pointed indication of Oswestry as the most appropriate place where the work could be undertaken, not only by reason of its close connection with the official headquarters of the Cambrian, but because, in a certain newspaper office there lay the files containing so many old records of the railway's birth and early struggles for existence, even the selection of "the man" appeared so severely circumscribed that to the present writer it virtually amounted to what, in certain ecclesiastical circles, is termed "a call... Continue reading book >>