Andrew Martin is a journalist and author. His previous books for Profile include Underground, Overground (9781846684784) and Belles and Whistles 9781781252130). He has written for the Evening Standard, Sunday Times, Independent on Sunday, Daily Telegraph and New Statesman. His 'Jim Stringer' series of novels based around railways are published by Faber. His latest novel, The Yellow Diamond, is set in the world of London's super-rich.
A fine elegy ... Compelling ... witty and full of history and railway nuggets. -- Michael Binyon * Sunday Times * You do not have to be a trainspotter to enjoy this book. It is social history, a kind of epitaph to a way of travel that seems to be lost, at least in Europe. -- Christian Wolmar * Spectator * A delightful book ... charmingly combines Martin's own travels, as he recreates journeys on famous trains such as the Orient Express, with a serious, occasionally geeky, history of those elegant wagons lits of the past ... Even if you're not into the detail of rail gauges, this book is the perfect companion as you wait for the 8.10 from Hove. -- Nigel Jones * Observer * Excellent ... Mr Martin paints a vivid picture of this world on rails ... he proves a witty companion who wears his knowledge lightly -- Michael Murray-Fennell * Country Life * Andrew Martin has cornered the train market. He is the Bard of the Buffer, the Balladeer of the Blue Train, the Laureate of Lost Property ... I picked up Night Trains knowing that I would be entertained, but also in the hope that his many years of experience would teach me how to sleep on a sleeper ... Andrew Martin is the best sort of travel-writer: inquisitive, knowledgeable, lively, congenial. He is also very funny, while never letting the humour drive reality, rather than vice versa. Every page has a good joke. -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday * A love letter to a dying breed -- Michael Kerr * Telegraph * This is one for railway novices and enthusiasts alike. -- Hannah Solel * Financial Times * Praise for Underground, Overground: 'Martin's knowledge is both encyclopaedic and full of quirky digressions, based on everyday observation. * Evening Standard * A jaunty history ... studded with little observational gems ... he can ... stop you in your tracks with a well-turned phrase * Sunday Times * Praise for Belles & Whistles: 'Martin is entertaining company, alive to the history of his route ... leaves you with renewed confidence that trains can still be the most civilised way to travel. * Financial Times * His wonderfully well-informed, anecdotal prose punches more than just tickets * The Times *