Jim Powe presents a unique photographic collection, most of which is published for the first time. Its rich and valuable history begins in the mid-to-late 1800s, with the photographs from the 1940s onward. Comprised of 300 pages with many colour photos, the glory of Australian rail travel is introduced state by state. Each detailed image has an accompanying history. Powe was an apprentice signal electrician when he travelled with his free pass throughout the country photographing trains. He has extensive experience as a cameraman and his videos include the platinum award-winning and bestselling 3801: A Legend in Steam (available on DVD). He’s also recorded the sounds of steam trains. His work is considered a highly important archive of railway history in Australia. Among the contributions that add to the uniqueness of this publication are: signal gantries, the original bridge over the Thompson River, the elegantly spired Mortuary Station at Rockwood Cemetery, station buildings with unusual designs and ornate iron-work, platforms, bridges, tunnels, crossroad signs, scenic routes, and tickets, timetables and other paraphernalia associated with train travel. This book will attract train and railroad buffs, and anyone that looks to the past for knowledge documented through photography.

Anastasia Gonis is a freelance writer and reviewer

This review from Australian Bookseller & Publisher magazine is reproduced by kind permission of Thorpe-Bowker, a division of R R Bowker LLC. © Copyright 2008, Thorpe-Bowker

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