Lives of the Engineers / The Locomotive. George and Robert Stephenson

Name: Lives of the Engineers / The Locomotive. George and Robert Stephenson
Author: Samuel Smiles

By Samuel Smiles

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Biographies Engineering & Technology History - British History - Modern (1750+)

About This Book

The book traces the lives and careers of George and Robert Stephenson, following their practical innovations in steam locomotive design and the construction of early railways. It combines biographical anecdotes with technical descriptions of engines, track-work, bridges, and tunnel projects, and recounts experimental trials and problem-solving in workshop and field. Parallel narratives place those developments within the wider expansion of railways at home and abroad, describing how new lines, major structures, and overseas schemes reshaped transport and commerce. The work blends personal character sketches, engineering explanation, and industrial history to show how persistent ingenuity, practical skill, and public enterprise advanced locomotive technology.

About the Author

Samuel Smiles

Samuel Smiles was a Scottish author and social reformer, best known for his influential work "Self Help," which emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and perseverance. Born in 1812, Smiles wrote extensively on the lives of notable figures in industry and engineering, contributing significantly to the literature of the Victorian era. His biographies, such as "Lives of Boulton and Watt" and "The Life of George Stephenson," highlight the achievements of inventors and industrialists, reflecting his interest in the progress of technology and society. Smiles' writings continue to inspire readers with their themes of self-improvement and industriousness.