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Engineering Empires: A Cultural History of Technology in Nineteenth-Century Britain

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The history of the British Empire is often narrated in terms of the wars that Britain fought. But when the Industrial Revolution started in the late 18th century, the story of Britain and her empire also became one of technology or engineering. Noted historian Marsden recounts the achievements of several of these luminaries. Such as Watt and Stephenson in railways and mining, and Brunel in steamships. Names still remembered today (at least amongst engineers).

Marsden makes some of those days and their travails come alive. In retrospect, we can appreciate the magnitude of their efforts, even if it all seems inevitable nowdays that someone would have performed the same tasks.

The book is also somewhat of a rejoinder to those who think engineering is boring or colourless.