The steam locomotive is one of Britain's greatest and most beautiful

inventions and generations have marvelled at the power conveyed

in its iron form. But the mystical qualities of smoke and pure white

steam give life to the locomotive and through the genius of design, it

appears to blend magically with the scenery through which it passes.

Although Britain's golden age of steam ended in 1968, these `living

machines' continue to enthral people of all ages. Packed with stunning

colour and rare black-and -white photographs, The Beauty of Steam

portrays real working steam and beautifully preserved locomotives

pushing across the grand landscapes of Britain.