From the first ever steam locomotive that worked along a colliery tramway in South Wales in 1804 to the modern machine we see today, the story of the worldwide development of this form of motive power is told. The author traces not only the history of design, construction and use, but the intriguing story of human involvement with the steam locomotive, of all inventions the one which most seemed to possess a life and spirit of its own and still has an enthusiastic following. 36 black & white and 15 colour photos. 352 pages. Hardback