For many the GWR was synonymous with vacations by the sea in the West Country, but it was originated to serve as a fast railway line to London, especially for the merchants and financiers of Bristol. Its operations stretched as far as Merseyside, it provided most services in Wales, and was the main line to Cardiff, Bristol, Cornwall, and Birmingham. This classic book was first published in 2006 and reveals the equipment, stations, network, shipping and air services, bus operations including Western National, and overall reach and history of the GWR. This authoritative new book, in series with LMS Handbook, LNER Railway Handbook, and Southern Railway Handbook, provides highly detailed reference information about the GWR.