The first forty-five years of the twentieth century saw the most formative period in the history of commercial vehicles: in 1900 the mechanically powered lorry was a novelty, yet by 1945 the ancestors of today's 38-ton juggernauts were clearly identifiable. In sharp contrast to the current picture, over forty lorry manufacturers were active in Britain during the period, most of whom have now sadly ceased production.

In this book S. W. Stevens-Stratten has provided a concise textual history of forty-two manufacturers and their products ranging from the more prominent firms such as Albion and Foden to less well-known concerns such as Bean and Caledon. The book is profusely illustrated with more than 200 superb black and white photographs and provides a feast of nostalgia for the more general reader, as well as a comprehensive reference for the enthusiast.