George Stephenson is among the most famous engineers of all time. His
rise from 'rags to riches' is a stirring story of its kind, but many of
the works attributed to him should in fact be credited to young
subordinates, not least his son, Robert. But much of the work of
innovative engineers for his period lay not in the work itself but in
persuading people that such work was desirable and necessary. It was in
this field that George Stephenson excelled, providing openings in which
his young proteges could change the world. They did not let him down,
and we should give him full credit for being 'The Father of the
Railways'.
Adrian Jarvis specialises in the engineering and finance of dock and
harbour construction, on which he has published extensively, but he also
has a strong interest in early railways and in the general history of
technology. Another book for Shire by this author is:
The Victorian Engineer