Titles in the Set:

Description:

Ever since 1945, Thomas the Tank Engine and friends have been delighting and entertaining children with their incredible adventures. This 26-book collection brings together The Rev W. Awdry's classic, original stories in one big, beautiful box. A beautiful keepsake for children to proudly display on their bookshelves, the colourful books are all presented in hardback and will introduce readers aged 3+ to the likes of Thomas, Gordon, Henry, James and Edward. Timeless tales that will be enjoyed as much by parents and grandparents as they will the children they're being read to, this is an amazing gift to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Railway Series Books Collection.

About the Author: 

The Rev. Wilbert Awdry was a British author and clergyman who created the beloved children's book series, The Railway Series. He was born on June 15, 1911, in Ampfield, Hampshire, England. His father was a clergyman, and Awdry followed in his footsteps, attending St. Peter's Hall, Oxford, and becoming a deacon in 1936 and a priest in 1937.

Awdry's love of trains began in childhood when he was given a model railway set by his father. He became fascinated with the workings of the railways, and would often visit local stations to observe the trains and their drivers. As an adult, Awdry began creating stories for his young son, Christopher, featuring anthropomorphic trains with distinct personalities and quirks.

In 1943, Awdry published his first book, The Three Railway Engines, which introduced the world to the character of Edward the Blue Engine. The book was a hit, and Awdry went on to publish 25 more books in The Railway Series, which eventually became a beloved children's classic.

The stories in The Railway Series were set on the fictional Island of Sodor, where trains with human-like personalities worked together to transport goods and passengers. Each train had its own unique personality and quirks, and the stories were filled with humour, adventure, and valuable life lessons.

Awdry's love of trains and his deep knowledge of railway operations and history is evident in the stories, which are filled with accurate and detailed descriptions of the workings of the railway system. The stories also reflected Awdry's Christian faith, with themes of friendship, cooperation, and hard work.

The Rev. Wilbert Awdry passed away on March 21, 1997, at the age of 85. His legacy lives on through his beloved stories, which continue to inspire and delight young readers around the world. His creation of The Railway Series is a testament to his creativity, imagination, and passion for trains, and his books have become a cherished part of childhood for generations of readers.