The line was one of the GWR's longer rural branch lines. The complicated history of the Launceston branch was recounted by G.H. Anthony in an Oakwood Press publication entitled "The Tavistock, Launceston & Princetown Railways", which was first published in 1971. Born at the end of the 19th century, Mr Anthony was old enough to have known the GWR in its prime, and it follows that his history of the Launceston branch was a valuable source of historical evidence in its own right. Stanley Jenkins has expanded Mr Anthony's original book, in this edition the route section has been greatly enlarged. A new title - "The Launceston Branch" - has been adopted. The book covers both the Launceston branch and the branch to Princetown from Yelverton. Presented in an A5 format, this book consists of 176 pages, 130 photographs/maps and plans. It has a 2-colour square-backed Linson cover.