Christian Wolmar is Britain's foremost railway historian, with almost a dozen books on railways in Britain and abroad. This is one of his best. Witty, fluent and opinionated, he shows a superb grasp of Russia - its people, history and mindset... Wolmar leaves us in awe of an achievement that has made the Trans-Siberian not only the longest but the greatest railway line ever built. --The Times Fascinating... An excellent examination of one the most extraordinary engineering feats of the 19th century. --Daily Express With characteristic clarity, Wolmar argues that no railway has been so geopolitically important. This may be "a heavy burden for a humble iron road" to carry, but his history makes a convincing case. --Andrew Martin, Mail on Sunday Does justice to the tale of the world's longest railway... Free of niche anorak jargon, Wolmar's writing is like any self-respecting railway should be: direct, pacey and open to all. --Lonely Planet Traveller

Christian Wolmar is Britain's foremost writer and broadcaster on transport matters. He writes regularly for a wide variety of publications including the Independent, Evening Standard and Rail magazine, and appears frequently on TV and radio as a commentator. His previous books include the widely acclaimed The Subterranean Railway, Fire and Steam, Blood, Iron and Gold, Engines of War and The Great Railway Revolution.