Philip Atkins Books

Perhaps the most iconic steam locomotive in the world, the legendary Flying Scotsman was the first train to achieve 100mph and in its glory days ran the only non-stop passenger service between London and Edinburgh. When it was withdrawn from regular service in 1963, after nearly 40 years in service, the locomotive had travelled an estimated two million miles. In January 2016, after a complete and expert restoration project lasting a decade, Flying Scotsman returned to the UK’s mainline as one of the jewels in the National Railway Museum’s collection.

Discovered in a charity shop in Oxford, a diary supposedly written 300 years ago that describes the life of a student of science and his unusual pet. The author recorded the bird's every move, having some idea of its rarity, but not that his pet might have been the last to walk upon the earth. Though doubts have been cast about its authenticity, readers will be able to judge for themselves. Set to be a surprise bestseller.