The Golden Age of Railway Posters

by Michael Palin (Introduction)

Few sights can reawaken memories of happy holidays of yesteryear as vividly as the superb railway posters that were so much a part of the great age of mass rail travel. Between the 1930s and 1950s – regarded by many as the heyday of advertising graphic art – a huge range of posters appeared, bearing slogans proclaiming the attractions of such resorts as 'Weston-super-Mare – in Smiling Somerset', and presenting a colourful picture of Britain at its best. Through images as diverse as bustling cities, scenes of rural tranquility and majestic mountain landscapes they offer an escapist paradise, where appealingly uncrowded beaches basking in permanent sunshine are just a train journey away. This beautiful collection includes over 80 vintage posters from the 30s, 40s and 50s, with individual poster captions describing the artists and locations depicted. Michael Pailin recaptures the spirit of the great days of railway holidays and train excursions in his entertaining introduction – an era that is both within living memory and yet part of a bygone age.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Trains

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Sir Michael Edward Palin, KCMG, CBE, FRGS is an English comedian, actor, writer and television presenter best known for being one of the members of the comedy group Monty Python and for his travel documentaries.

Palin wrote most of his material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "The Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", "The Spanish Inquisition" and "Spam". Palin continued to work with Jones, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.

After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer. His journeys have taken him across the world, the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.

Reviews

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endearing decorative artwork on posters from a bygone age that reflect the English life in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Everyone depicted is seemingly having fun in a carefree Britain that invites all visitors for one reason or another. One can quite easily see how rail travel was at its most popular after World War II when such enticing resorts were within a train ride.

The colourful and striking poster design is a delight to the eye and Michael Palin offers a short but succinct introduction that leaves the reader wanting to view the offerings that follow.

A great book to take one out of oneself for half an hour or so and be transported back to an age long gone - and for certain, never to return.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely gift book whether a railway buff or not. If u ha e ever travelled by rail, like advertising tweaks or simply want to see change over time this is a reference book to have. A dipping and sharing book.

[Ben Lever · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was quite disappointed in this, actually. I love the artwork on these old posters but the selection in the book was fairly poor, in the end.