This superb facsimile edition of a celebrated color plate book commemorates the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway on September 15th, 1830, marking the start of 'The Railway Age'. The new line generated significant public interest, leading to a demand for prints, books, and souvenirs. Rudolf Ackermann, a prominent fine art publisher, commissioned architect Thomas Talbot Bury to create a series of views showcasing the railway's features. The resulting thirteen hand-colored aquatint engravings, published in 1831, included a descriptive text for travelers. Bury's work is considered the finest of its kind and has become a sought-after collector's item, though few complete copies remain due to the practice of breaking up fine books for profit. This facsimile is printed to high standards and is accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, it includes three large extra plates, including the well-known Ackermann 'long prints' and the rare 'View of the Intersection Bridge on the St Helens and Runcorn Railway'. An authoritative historical introduction by Mr. George Ottley, author of 'A Bibliography of British Railway History', adds context to this remarkable work.
