"Ahead" to England's Past" (Audiobook Review)

 

Full Steam Ahead: How the Railways Made Britain by Peter Ginn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is added information to the popular BBC living history TV show with Alex Langlands, Peter Ginn, and Ruth Goodman. Read by the two authors, Peter and Ruth.

Full Steam Ahead discusses how the advancements of train travel spurred on the industrial revolution and touched EVERY aspect of life in the UK. To say it holds a wealth of information is a gross understatement for both this book and the TV series it is based on, which has three historical experts thrust back to recreate and experience what life would have been like during this time period in Scotland, Wales and England.

This audiobook is definitely a case of "too much, but not enough". It serves to enhance and add things that there wasn't enough time to show in the TV series but misses the thing which makes the show version so great. It's spontaneity. Although the enthusiasm for the subject comes through while Peter and Ruth take turns narrating the following chapters, they are READING it not LIVING it. What has made their series of living history documentaries so wildly popular is that through the years and previous series these three people have gone from colleagues to friends to family. Not just obviously to each other but to us the viewers as well. Funny, informative, poignant, thoughtful, and heartfelt describe the show but are elements missing from the book and therefore you are left feeling unsatisfied.

But if you've seen the series, Full Steam Ahead, and can't get enough of this sweet and unique "family" of historians run amok, go for the book in audio or paper. But it will never take the place of watching them attempt to fulfill their hearts' desires; bringing the past to life to understand those who lived it ... and ourselves.

TV Series with Alex Langlands, Peter Ginn, and Ruth Goodman:
(Currently available for free viewing on YouTube)

Full Steam Ahead
Tales of the Green Valley
Victorian Farm
Edwardian Farm
Wartime Farm and
Secrets of the Castle

Thank you for reading my review and I hope you avail yourself of the opportunity to watch these warm, entertaining and somewhat addictive series' as well. Be prepared for some binge-viewing that's safe for the entire family.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

PS. Ruth Goodman is my hero. I want to be her when I grow up. 😊

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Full Steam Ahead: Episode One

Victorian Farm: Episode One