John Walter has created an accessible one-volume study of the development of the steam railway locomotive from Trevithick, Hedley, Blenkinsop, Sguin, Stevenson and other pioneers to the ground-breaking analytical work of Chapelon and his disciples. Beginning with a full history, the book then presents a comprehensive directory based on the Whyte wheel classification system. Packed with images, diagrams and contemporary artworks, this well-researched book will be indispensable to casual and serious enthusiasts alike.