One of the most important developments in European history, the railways helped create the social and economic fabric of the continent. In the ‘Golden Age’ of the railways, from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth, there was no more exciting, exotic or desirable way to travel.

The Golden Age of European Railways contains more than three hundred contemporary illustrations. As well as route maps, schedules, technical appendices and the fascinating perspectives of it award-winning writers and acknowledged railway experts.

Yvonne Pope Sintes only ever wanted to fly. But in the 1950s, very few women were allowed into the male dominated world of aviation. Whilst many women were consigned to the role of house-wife, Yvonne chose a different path. Her dream was to join the ranks of the Royal Air Force, crisscrossing international skies. Despite an awareness of the pitfalls that might await her, she embarked upon her mission. Her story, told here for the first time and in her own words, is one characterized by gritty determination against the odds, a startling level of achievement and a continually modest approach to life and her own accomplishments.

A career trajectory marked by such landmark achievements as becoming the first female Air Traffic Controller with the Ministry of Aviation, the first female civil airline pilot in the UK, and the first female jet airline captain in Britain are relayed in this inspiring autobiography.