A very smart full leather volume which has been professionally rebacked, and contains fine condition text. Locke was one of the great pioneers of railway development. Joseph Locke (1805–1860) was a prominent English civil engineer known for his major contributions to railway construction during the 19th century. Born in Attercliffe, Sheffield, he was apprenticed to George Stephenson and later became a key figure in Britain’s railway boom. He worked on significant projects including the Grand Junction Railway, connecting Birmingham and Liverpool/Manchester, and played a crucial role in developing lines in France and Spain. Locke was noted for his practical engineering style, preferring direct routes and stable gradients, and he often clashed with rivals like Isambard Kingdom Brunel over design philosophies. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Honiton. Locke died in 1860 and is remembered as one of the key figures in early railway engineering. The Life of Joseph Locke, Civil Engineer, M.P., F.R.S., Etc. Etc., by Joseph Devey. Published by Richard Bentley, London, 1862. First edition. Scarce. A near fine set bound in full leather. The contemporary tan morocco covers have been rebacked with more recent lighter mustard leather spine, with raised bands and two burgundy morocco labels with gilt. Covers with light wear and rubbing to edges. All soundly bound and inner hinges strengthened with cloth. Marbled endpapers and matching marbled edges to text block. Text is in fine condition throughout and presents beautifully. With a neat scripted presentation inscription to a blank endpaper to Edward Balfour, from Edward Royds, on his leaving Eton in 1866.  Text is lovely and clean throughout. A handsome volume. Text in English. iv + 366pp.  Dimensions: Approximately 222mm high x 149mm wide x 33mm deep. Weight: Approximately 820g (unpacked).