Time for celebration.
My new book, Fast Track, has finally arrived and...
Time for celebration. My new book, Fast Track, has finally arrived and though I say so myself, the cover is sensational and well done the Penguin designer for producing such a brilliant image. As for the contents of the book, it is up to you lot to judge.
It is a fab story, taking in the early attempts to speed up trains including the various races held at the end of the 19th century and the 1930s. But the bulk of the book is devoted to modern high speed rail, a story that started in Japan more than 60 years ago and one that continues to provide huge amount of media coverage. Indeed, high speed rail is rarely out of the news, whether it is the launch of a new magnificent railway, inevitably after a long gestation period and probably a budget overrun but by then who cares, or whether it is a debacle like HS2 or the California high speed rail project. There is even coverage of the fortunately very few accidents including the one in Spain this year that was the first high speed collision between two trains.
I devote a chapter to the struggles in the UK and US on their high speed lines but much of the book focusses positive, the amazing achievements of the various countries who have joined the high speed club, ranging from the earliest lines in Japan and France, to the biggest success stories, Spain and China.
On the way there are diversions to South Korea and Taiwan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia and lots of other places too. It was a fun story to write and research, which included trips to Japan and China, and there is no shortage of stories, such as the salamander who almost stopped a line being built and the jailing of the man who did the most to get China’ amazing network started.
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE LAUNCH OF FAST TRACK CHRISTIAN WOLMAR’S NEW BOOK
Join us to celebrate the launch of Christian Wolmar’s new book on high-speed rail.
The launch event will be held Thursday, 30th July, in London.
Places are extremely limited, and all available spots were offered first to our premium subscribers as one of their exclusive membership benefits.
If you’d like access to opportunities like this in the future, please consider becoming a premium subscriber. Your support helps this Substack and makes my work possible. If you’d like to attend, please email mailto:wolmarsubstack@gmail.com
Christian will be in conversation with Andrew Martin, author of The Moquette Mystery and To the Sea by Train.
DATE: Thurs 30th July 6.30–8.30 London
Can’t make the event? Signed copies of Fast Track are also available for £22 plus £4 postage. (The retail price will be £30.)
To reserve a signed copy or request an invitation to the London launch party, please contact us at mailto:wolmarsubstack@gmail.com
