"The debate about Dr Richard Beeching will rage until the Second Coming – and probably beyond. But in Charles Loft's careful examination of the Beeching Report, we have as fine a study as we are going to possess in the meantime." – Peter Hennessy"Loft's great strength is his judiciousness. He understands the political processes and assesses them fair-mindedly. And his verdict will, I suspect, hold up better than any of Beeching's judgements." – Mat...

More than 40 years after its publication, the 1963 Beeching Report on British railways remains controversial for recommending the closure of a third of Britain’s railways.In this book, Charles Loft examines:why the nationalized railways were in such dire financial straits by 1963how government work on future transport needs led to conclusions which would have cut Britain’s railways down by thousands of mileswhat difficulties eventually hal...

The anthology "The Greatest Animal Tales for a Warm Fuzzy Christmas" offers an enchanting exploration of animal-themed narratives that traverse the rich tapestry of literary styles across the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From the vivid whimsy of fantastical creatures to the poignant realism of endearing animal protagonists, this collection encompasses a wide spectrum of storytelling traditions. It captures the essence of Christmas through tales of loyalty, friendship, and hope, with...

Embarking on a delightful journey through 'The Greatest Animal Stories for a Warm Christmas Eve' reveals a collection rich with enchanting themes of friendship, adventure, and love. This anthology brings together an eclectic range of styles, from the whimsical to the heartfelt, providing a kaleidoscopic view of animal tales that have transcended time. Each story captures the imagination and offers a warm embrace akin to the holiday spirit, creating a compelling compendium for readers of al...

The collection, *The Greatest Animal Tales for a Warm Fuzzy Christmas*, brings together an exquisite range of literary works that celebrate the timeless bond between humans and animals, set against the backdrop of the festive season. Through an eclectic mix of styles, from the Victorian charm of Charles Dickens to the imaginative musings of Beatrix Potter, this anthology provides a tapestry of narratives that explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and the miracles of Yuletide. The compilat...

While working in Africa, the eminent naturalist John Dolittle sets out to create the best post office on earth, using his bird friends to carry messages and packages anywhere in the world in record time. Along the way, he also manages to foil a slave trader, enrich a kingdom, save a ship, and meet the oldest living creature on earth!

Britain's rail privatisation was one of the greatest political failures of recent history. A well-functioning industry was torn apart to satisfy political dogma and privatised in a way that not only compromised safety and wrecked performance but also resulted in financial melt-down.In this acclaimed book, an update to his earlier work Broken Rails, Christian Wolmar reveals the causes of the collapse of the railway system, following the Hatfield accident, barely five years after Joh...

A TIMES POLITICAL BOOK OF THE YEARA LONGMAN/HISTORY TODAY BOOK OF THE YEARThe award-winning history of the British Welfare State –now fully revised and updated for the 21st Century.‘A masterpiece’ Sunday TimesGiant Want. Giant Disease. Giant Ignorance. Giant Squalor. Giant Idleness.These were the Five Giants that loomed over the post-war reconstruction...

This new book offers a comprehensive and factual view on the Scottish independence debate from some of the UK's leading academics.

On 18 September 2014, Scots will decide their future: should the country quit the United Kingdom and take control of its own destiny, or should it remain part of what advocates call the most successful political and economic union of modern times? Everyone in the country has a stake in this decision. Now, in this fascinating and insightful new book, David Torrance charts the countdown to the big day, weaving his way through a minefield of claim and counterclaim, and knocking down fictions ...

A journey through the events of the postwar years that "makes the outcome of Britain's Brexit referendum much easier to comprehend" (Julian Lewis, member of Parliament).In 2016, Britain stunned itself and the world by voting to pull out of the European Union, leaving financial markets reeling and global politicians and citizens in shock. But was Brexit really a surprise, or are there clues in Britain's history that pointed to this moment?In A History of...

My Scotland, Our Britain: A Future Worth Sharingis a highly personal account of Gordon Brown's Scotland, the nation he was born in, and our Britain, the multinational state that the Scots, English, Welsh and Northern Irish have created and share.Laying bare his family's ancestry over 300 years of the Union and explaining how it shaped his background, Brown charts what it was like growing up in Scotland in the 1950s and 1960s, and explains the influence of religion, education and Sc...