This monumental collection of books by Past & Present Publishing has now reached Volume 66 and I am proud to say I have every one on my bookshelf! There, that says something, and its not that I suffer from any affliction. It's just that these books covering the length and breadth of Britain and in particular British Railways makes fascinating reading. Just how many more are published remains to be seen but I see two more are in preparation.

The ‘then and now’ story has reached Northamptonshire and the story of the county's railways is published in two parts of which this volume is one part.

The author has gathered an interesting collection of photographs, both black and white and colour, of various locations. He has (where possible) attempted to reproduce a similar contemporary view of the same scene to show the considerable change that has taken place between the time of the ‘then’ and the ‘now’ photograph. Many lines in the county have closed resulting in just a scene of perhaps a row of trees or a busy motorway in its place.

Even though I have not visited the locations I still find it strangely fascinating to look at what was and what is, which I guess is the special ingredient and appeal that these books have.

Production qualities are high, with comprehensive and informative captions.

A new direction for the Northamptonshire titles is that all ‘now’ photographs have been printed in colour. Having said that even some of the ‘then’ shots are in colour as well. The extra colour involved in the books production has slightly increased the price. As a preference I would have been happy for the books to remain as black and white, but each to their liking.

Even if you are not familiar with the county, I'm sure you'll enjoy the familiarity of the style and content. Another good addition to the growing titles from Past & Present publishing.