The subject of this book, one of the more uncommon L.T.C.Rolt's published titles, is Ricard Trevithick who is generally acknowledged as a giant in the field of mechanical engineering. Although he was only the poorly educated son of a Cornish mining engineer Trevithick designed & built in 1801 the first steam road locomotive that is the parent of the heavy steam traction engine ; in 1803 his steam carriage paved the way to the private car today, & a year later he made the first locomotive ever to run on rails. This gives a full account of his life and work.