An Encylopedia of British Bridges is a book from publishers Pen and Sword and is full of details covering the many bridges around the UK.
This hardback book is written by David McFetrich and has over 400 pages full of information and photos – though page numbers are missing.
Measuring in at 290mm x 230mm, this book can be bought from Amazon for around £42.
The book is set out in alphabetical order of the bridges, and also has an introduction and a glossary. Each bridge is then set out with information, and some get a photograph.
Amongst the various road, canal and pedestrian bridges, are a few railway bridges.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in the Harry Potter films, is featured in this book with a colour photograph and a detailed history of the viaduct.
The Taff Vale Railway Viaduct in Pontypridd is also featured in this book, with a rather sparse section with a photo.
The Tay Bridge in Dundee is another railway bridge featured in the encyclopedia, with an in-depth history of the bridge, but sadly no image – I would have liked to see an image for this famous bridge.
A detailed insight into the Forth Bridge in Edinburgh is nice to see, with a lengthy paragraph and a coloured photograph.
I found it fascinating to see the variety of bridges around Britain, even the ones not railway related are fascinating to look at and read about.
In summary then, if you only have an interest in bridges, this is a really interesting read for you. Detailed, yet spaced out, information and photographs on every page make it easy to read, with it being in alphabetical order, you can just flick open the book and start, without having to remember where you got up to last.
The book is available to purchase from Pen and Sword and from Amazon, both retailing (at the time of writing) between £40 and £50.
We would like to thank Pen & Sword Books for providing us with a copy of the book for review.
