Last Call For The Dining Car

Ever since Paul Theroux embarked in London on the first train of his Great Railway Bazaar, railways have been a rich source for the best travel writing. This is truer than ever in the twenty-first century. As the environmental implications of relentless air travel cast an ominous shadow over the prospect of foreign adventure, the opportunity to jump on a train at St Pancras and be whisked straight to the continent offers a wonderful alternative. Train travel has assumed a new pragmatic importance as well as romance – which is no doubt why so many more tour companies are offering a great train ride as part of their holiday itineraries. Now, Michael Kerr, the Telegraph’s deputy Travel Editor, has burrowed deep in the newspaper’s archives and collected together the very best of its writings about the railway: here are journeys non-stop from London to Vladivostok; across the Canadian Rockies; the first train to traverse Australia from Darwin to Alice Springs; and on the teeming, crawling, travelling adventure of Indian railways. In scenes much more familiar to the British commuter, Boris Johnson discovers his “inner McEnroe” thanks to signal failure in the Midlands, and Michael Palin samples the delights of British Rail Inter-City. This is an anthology that will appeal to the railway buff and the armchair traveller alike; to anyone who has ever Inter-railed in their youth and everyone nostalgic for the days when the only way to cross a continent was by train.

Previous books have promised to describe the combat experience of the World War II GI, but there has never been a book like Patrick O'Donnell's Beyond Valor. Here is the first combat history of the war in Europe in the words of the men themselves, and perhaps the most honest and brutal account of combat possible on the printed page. For more than fifty years the individual stories that make up this narrative -- shockingly frank reflections of sacrifice and courage -- have been bottled up, buried, or circulated privately. Now, nearing the ends of their lives, our WWII soldiers have at last unburdened themselves. Beyond Valor recaptures their hidden history. A pioneering oral historian, Patrick O'Donnell used his award-winning website, The Drop Zone, to solicit oral- and "e-histories" from individual soldiers. Gradually, working from within the community, O'Donnell convinced some of the war's most battle-hardened soldiers to tell their stories. The result is WWII seen through the eyes of the men who saw the most intense of its action. O'Donnell focuses on the elite units of the war -- the Rangers, Airborne, and 1st Special Service Force -- troops that spearheaded the most dangerous operations and often made the difference between victory and defeat. From more than 650 interviews O'Donnell has chosen oral- and e-histories that form a seamless story line, a pointillistic history of the war in Europe from the first parachute drops in North Africa through the final battles in Germany and the long trip home. It is the story of the war not discussed in polite company. O'Donnell presents the wreckage of entire battalions nearly annihilated, invisible personal scars, and haunting revelations of wartime atrocities. But more important are the men who recount lives risked without hesitation for comrades and cause, and those who did not return: the friends who died in their arms. Their stories remind all of us that victory came only at the highest price. Remembering the infamous cliffs at Pointe-du-Hoc, bloody Omaha Beach, the bitter fighting at the Battle of the Bulge, and Hill 400 in the Hürtgen Forest, the soldiers reveal war as seen, heard, and smelled by the GIs on the front line. Also included is the unique story of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, and the trailblazing African-American "Experimental" Test Platoon that had to fight its own battle behind the lines. Beyond Valor captures the truths that exist among soldiers. It is one of the most inspiring accounts of the war ever produced.

In roughly one hundred years – from the 1870s to the 1970s – dining on trains began, soared to great heights, and then fell to earth. The founders of the first railroad companies cared more about hauling freight than feeding passengers. The only food available on trains in the mid-nineteenth century was whatever passengers brought aboard in their lunch baskets or managed to pick up at a brief station stop. It was hardly fine dining. Seeing the business possibilities in offering long-distance passengers comforts such as beds, toilets, and meals, George Pullman and other pioneering railroaders like Georges Nagelmackers of Orient Express fame, transformed rail travel. Fine dining and wines became the norm for elite railroad travelers by the turn of the twentieth century. The foods served on railroads – from consommé to turbot to soufflé, always accompanied by champagne - equaled that of the finest restaurants, hotels, and steamships. After World War II, as airline travel and automobiles became the preferred modes of travel, elegance gave way to economy. Canned and frozen foods, self-service, and quick meals and snacks became the norm. By the 1970s, the golden era of railroad dining had come grinding to a halt. Food on the Rails traces the rise and fall of food on the rails from its rocky start to its glory days to its sad demise. Looking at the foods, the service, the rail station restaurants, the menus, they dining accommodations and more, Jeri Quinzio brings to life the history of cuisine and dining in railroad cars from the early days through today.

This book is a collection of essays penned by Richard Le Gallienne. He was an English author and poet, best known for translating the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. In this volume of work, a total of twenty-nine essays are featured, all of which are of various topics, with some of them entitled: 'On Re-reading Walter Pater', 'A Christmas Meditation', 'The English Countryside', 'The Psychology of Gossip', and 'The Last Call'.

"The Iceberg Express" is an adventurous and thrilling children's book written by David Cory. It follows the journey of a group of brave and resourceful young characters who embark on a daring expedition to save their beloved Arctic home from impending danger. The story is set in the icy and vast landscapes of the Arctic, where a mysterious and powerful force threatens to destroy their community. A group of friends, including the main protagonist, set out on a perilous journey to find a solution and protect their home. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles that test their courage, wit, and teamwork. As the young adventurers travel through the frozen wilderness, they meet fascinating characters, including talking animals and mythical creatures. Each encounter provides valuable lessons and insights, teaching the characters the importance of friendship, resilience, and the need to preserve nature. Throughout their quest, the group faces the harsh realities of survival in the Arctic, learning to adapt and overcome the unforgiving conditions. Their bravery and determination inspire readers to believe in the power of unity and hope, even in the face of adversity. David Cory's vivid and imaginative storytelling transports readers to a captivating world of ice and snow, filled with magical elements and captivating landscapes. The book's themes of environmental conservation and the impact of human activities on nature resonate strongly with young readers, encouraging them to be mindful of their actions and responsibilities towards the planet. "The Iceberg Express" is a heartwarming and exciting tale that combines adventure, fantasy, and valuable life lessons. It captivates readers of all ages, offering an engaging and inspiring reading experience. The book's blend of imaginative storytelling, intriguing characters, and important messages about nature and friendship make it a beloved addition to children's literature."

Join Bruce Barclay and Arthur Rowe on an exhilarating journey through their last year at Merchiston Castle School in 'The Boy Tramps, or Across Canada' by James Macdonald Oxley. Despite their apparent differences, these devoted friends stand united as they navigate challenges and embrace unforgettable adventures. From their contrasting physical appearances to their distinct personalities, Bruce and Arthur find strength in their friendship and complement each other in remarkable ways. As they excel in academics and sports, their loyalty is tested, and their futures hang in the balance.

This is E. D. Thompson's second collection of facts and memories about the Nashville that we remember. If you read Nashville Nostalgia, then you know that you are about to add to the knowledge and happiness that you derived from that book. If this volume is your first look back at the Nashville of your childhood and your parents' childhood, then you are about to embark on a journey through the history of a city like no other. More Nashville Nostalgia will remind you why Nashville is called the Athens of the South and Music City USA, where your favorite department stores and movie theatres were located, when Hillsboro High School burned down, what big bands played in Nashville, and who Alfred Leland Crabb, Louis Nicholas, Jere Baxter, Ken Bramming, and Bettie Page were. On every page is a name, a food, a street, or a pastime which will spark a happy memory-and for the parts which are new to you, this book will make you wish you had known them! My father's love for the past is infectious, and you will find yourself sharing his wistful reverence for those sights and sounds which will never come again but which will never leave our memories and our hearts. The only treasure more valuable than Nashville nostalgia is more Nashville nostalgia!