The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways

The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways is a Sodor History Book written by the Reverend W. Awdry and his brother George Awdry. It was first published in 1987, illustrated by Clive Spong.

http://www.pegnsean.net/~railwayseries/bk-tios-small.jpg

Editions
There are have been two editions of TIOS.


 * 1987 - The Book was first published in a hardcover in 1987...
 * 1992 - ...the Book later returned as a "spiral bound" book. The 1992 edition also contained a map of Sodor. (Which I cannot understand)

Why was this book published?
This is a book about the Island of Sodor, dealing with its history, geography and industry in far greater depth than could ever be discussed in the Railway Series stories themselves. Most of the background information on the places, people, railways and engines in the Railway Series comes from this book.

The book came about as a result of Rev. W. Awdry’s desire to create a credible and consistent world for his stories. This began with maps of Sodor, and was then expanded upon. Rev. W. Awdry and his brother George (who was the librarian of the National Liberal Club) worked out details of Sodor, producing between them a comprehensive set of notes. These notes were compiled and published in this book.

First time Information
Warning: Not all info is listed. and scrapped.
 * There are 3 [[Sir Topham Hatt]s. Sir Topham Hatt I, Sir Charles Topham Hatt and Stephen Topham Hatt.
 * Shane Dooiney's name is revealed for the first time in this book. He was later mentioned in Sodor: Reading Between the Lines.
 * This book marks the first and only mention of The "Coffee Pots"]. Apparently, they were withdrawn when their line became [[Thomas's branch line
 * Neil's brothers, Sodor and Mainland Railway Numbers 1, 3 and 4 are mentioned for the first and only time.
 * The names of some of Sodor's Kings, such as Godred MacHarold and Godred Crovan are only mentioned in this book.

I want to read all this info for myself. Am I unlucky if I can't order this book?
Mostly No. Most of the information like Shane Dooiney and the three Sir Topham Hatt's are re-published in Christopher Awdry's Sodor: Reading Between the Lines, but "Coffee Pots" and Sodor and Mainland Railway Numbers 1, 3 and 4 are, unforutunately, left out.

Out of Print
Sadly, this book has been out of print since 1992, therefore making it fairly expensive. It's a fairly thick book, 180 pages. Some are avaible on Amazon for a minimum of $501.00. Getting this book signed by both authors also increases prices.

Letters to Heinemann Young Books
There have been several letters to Heinemann, the original publisher of the book, asking them if the book could be republished. The book has not been republished, whatsoever, and even if it is republished one day, the possibility of the book being signed by The Reverend W. Awdry and George Awdry is sadly, impossible as of 1994 (George Awdry) and 1997 (Reverend W. Awdry]]).

Not for children?
This book is not suitable for very little children; specially because of the fact that it inovolves the dates of "people deaths". According to the Foreword, the book is suited for ages eight to eighty.

Links
http://www.pegnsean.net/~railwayseries/bk-tios-small.jpg http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0434927627/thereallive0d-20 http://www.pegnsean.net/~railwayseries/amazonfinal.htm http://books.heinemann.com/