John Betjeman On Trains by John Betjeman


John Betjeman On Trains
Title : John Betjeman On Trains
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0413776123
ISBN-10 : 9780413776129
Language : English
Format Type : Hardcover
Number of Pages : -
Publication : First published August 1, 2006

John Betjeman (1906–84) was a great champion of British heritage whose legacy lives on, not just in his poetry, but in his diaries, broadcasts, and letters. A devotee of the railways, this small, beautiful volume brings together some of his correspondence written on his travels, describing all that he found of value in the landscape and architecture of this country. In his introduction, Jonathan Glancey says: “This selection of letters show how railways infused Betjeman’s life. They allow him to be impassioned, funny, satirical and expert. We should all be glad he had that expert knowledge of railways and architecture; far from standing in the way of genuine progress, his love of railways, coupled to his campaigning spirit, means that from autumn 2007 we will be able to travel, at 186mph, from London to Paris from under the great iron and glass train shed of gloriously Gothic St Pancras.” Black and white photographs and line drawings accompany Jonathan Glancey’s vivid introduction and notes, making this a beautiful book for enthusiasts.

John Betjeman On Trains Reviews

  • Mike Sumner

    What a little gem of a book this is, a present from my brother who is aware of my lifelong love of steam locomotives. John Betjeman (1906-84) was a devotee of the railways and probably the best-loved of English poets. He was a great champion of British heritage whose legacy lives on, not just in his poetry but in his diaries, broadcast and letters. This book will certainly appeal to those of a certain age - like me - who can remember the 50s and 60s with great affection. This beautiful volume, compiled by Jonathan Glancey, brings together some of JB's correspondences written on his travels and describes all that Betjeman found of value in the landscape and architecture of this country as it cuts a nostalgic, personality-filled arc through Betjeman's Britain - with some laugh out loud moments.

    Betjeman had an acerbic wit and could level sarcastic comments at anyone. He did not suffer fools gladly and could at times be curmudgeonly when talking about modern architectural design.

    In the 1960s Sir John Betjeman led a campaign to save St. Pancras Station and the Chambers from demolition. In tribute to the famous poet and railway enthusiast an 8.5ft sculpture by Martin Jennings was designed and stands in the concourse at St. Pancras.

  • Wilde Sky

    A series of articles / thoughts / essays / letters related to trains from 1940 – 1960.

    I found this book very quaint, it brought the era (at least of the trains of the time) to life.