Titles in This Set The Three Railway Engines Thomas the Tank Engine James the Red Engine Tank Engine Thomas Again Troublesome Engines Henry the Green Engine Toby the Tram Engine Gordon the Big Engine Edward the Blue Engine Four Little Engines Percy the Small Engine The Eight Famous Engines Duck and the Diesel Engine The Little Old Engine The Twin Engines Branch Line Engines Gallant Old Engine Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine Mountain Engines Very Old Engines Main Line Engines Small Railway Engines Enterprising Engines Oliver the Western Engine Duke the Lost Engine Tramway Engines Details Condition: Brand New Format: Hardback ISBN: 9780008500160 Publisher: HarperCollins Age Range: 5-7 years Overview Climb aboard for the complete journey through Sodor with the Thomas the Tank Engine Classic Library. This handsome 26-book hardback boxset gathers every original Railway Series story written by the Rev. W. Awdry, from Thomas's very first appearance to the later adventures of the Fat Controller's engines. A treasured keepsake for devoted fans and a charming introduction for new young readers, it is the definitive way to own the stories that started a worldwide phenomenon loved across generations of railway-mad children and their families. About the Books Long before the television series and countless spin-offs existed, there was the Railway Series: the original collection Reverend Wilbert Awdry wrote for his son Christopher, beginning with The Three Railway Engines in 1945. This complete 26-book set traces the full history of the series, following Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, Toby, Duck and their friends as they steam through the towns, branch lines and hills of the Island of Sodor. Each compact hardback volume preserves the charm of the originals, presenting gentle, character-driven stories about hard work, friendship and forgiveness alongside the classic illustrations that generations of children have grown up with. Unlike later adapted or abridged editions, this collection presents Awdry's own words exactly as first published, giving readers the authentic Railway Series experience from cover to cover. Perfectly sized for small hands, the books are ideal for working through one story at a time, whether at bedtime, on long car journeys, or as a child's first independent reads. The sturdy hardback binding is built for repeated reading and handing down, making this boxset as practical as it is nostalgic. Whether bought for a lifelong collector completing their shelf or a parent wanting to share the "real" Thomas stories with their own children, this is the most complete and authentic way to experience the Railway Series. Complete 26-book set containing every original Railway Series story Durable hardback format built to withstand years of reading and re-reading Compact volumes perfectly sized for young, independent readers Classic illustrations paired with Awdry's authentic original text A timeless gift for birthdays, Christmas or new baby occasions Great for building reading confidence with shorter, chapter-based stories About the Author Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry OBE (1911-1997) was an English clergyman, railway enthusiast and author who created Thomas the Tank Engine and the wider Railway Series. He began telling stories about a little tank engine to entertain his young son Christopher during a bout of measles, and went on to publish the first Railway Series book in 1945. His enduring love of steam trains and gentle, character-led storytelling helped the series become one of the best-loved children's book collections in the world, later inspiring the global Thomas & Friends franchise enjoyed by millions of children today. Why You'll Love This Collection Own every original Railway Series adventure in one beautiful hardback set. Ideal for devoted Thomas fans, first-time readers and collectors alike, it's a nostalgic treasure bringing the magic of Sodor home, offering years of shared family reading and a lasting keepsake to pass down. Please Note: the ISBN and edition cover shown are for the UK edition currently in stock; cover artwork may vary slightly by print run.