03-Sep-2008 08:30

© Raymond Walley - All rights reserved

An Engineering Biography by Adrian Vaughan.

Published by Ian Allen Publishing, Riverdene Business Park, Moseley Road, HERSHAM, KT12 4RG.  http://www.ianallanpublishing.com   £19.99.

I received my copy of this lovely book within a few days of publication from Nigel Bird.

I have several other biographies of Brunel, all of which tend toward the hagiographic in tone.  Granted he was a genius, but he was not perfect and this is well brought out by Adrian Vaughan in his story of Brunel's achievements and failures.  Not afraid to be critical when it is appropriate, he in no way diminishes the man, rather, Mr Vaughan identifies him as a human being as well as a great genius.

This is a very well written book and a joy to read simply as a biography of a fascinating man.  One does not need to be a railway or engineering enthusiast to enjoy it.  Mr Vaughan does not let his well known love of the Great Western Railway colour his view of either the man, his contemporaries or the enormous difficulties they had to overcome.  Brunel's other works, which were at least as important as the GWR, are well covered and I learned much more about the man, his times and methods.

A thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating read, I recommend it to anyone interested in learning about the times, trials and achievements of Victorian entrepreneurs generally and Brunel in particular.

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