In journeys to Istanbul, Lisbon, Venice and elsewhere, bestselling author Andrew Martin recaptures the glamour and intrigue of the night train
Andrew Martin is a journalist and author. His previous books for Profile include Underground, Overground (9781846684784) and Belles and Whistles 9781781252130). He has written for the Evening Standard, Sunday Times, Independent on Sunday, Daily Telegraph and New Statesman. His 'Jim Stringer' series of novels based around railways are published by Faber. His latest novel, The Yellow Diamond, is set in the world of London's super-rich.
A fine elegy ... Compelling ... witty and full of history and
railway nuggets.
*Sunday Times*
You do not have to be a trainspotter to enjoy this book. It is
social history, a kind of epitaph to a way of travel that seems to
be lost, at least in Europe.
*Spectator*
A delightful book ... charmingly combines Martin's own travels, as
he recreates journeys on famous trains such as the Orient Express,
with a serious, occasionally geeky, history of those elegant wagons
lits of the past ... Even if you're not into the detail of rail
gauges, this book is the perfect companion as you wait for the 8.10
from Hove.
*Observer*
Excellent ... Mr Martin paints a vivid picture of this world on
rails ... he proves a witty companion who wears his knowledge
lightly
*Country Life*
Andrew Martin has cornered the train market. He is the Bard of the
Buffer, the Balladeer of the Blue Train, the Laureate of Lost
Property ... I picked up Night Trains knowing that I would be
entertained, but also in the hope that his many years of experience
would teach me how to sleep on a sleeper ... Andrew Martin is the
best sort of travel-writer: inquisitive, knowledgeable, lively,
congenial. He is also very funny, while never letting the humour
drive reality, rather than vice versa. Every page has a good
joke.
*Mail on Sunday*
A love letter to a dying breed
*Telegraph*
This is one for railway novices and enthusiasts alike.
*Financial Times*
Praise for Underground, Overground:
'Martin's knowledge is both encyclopaedic and full of quirky
digressions, based on everyday observation.
*Evening Standard*
A jaunty history ... studded with little observational gems ... he
can ... stop you in your tracks with a well-turned phrase
*Sunday Times*
Praise for Belles & Whistles:
'Martin is entertaining company, alive to the history of his route
... leaves you with renewed confidence that trains can still be the
most civilised way to travel.
*Financial Times*
His wonderfully well-informed, anecdotal prose punches more than
just tickets
*The Times*
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