BET you've never heard of this name associated with the Railway Age, and Stockton and Darlington Railway in particular: William James.

A Warwickshire-born land surveyor and entrepreneur, he travelled the country visiting estates. Gavin Weightman says: "He was familiar with the many railway lines laid down in the mining regions He imagined railways everywhere and began to promote the idea of them."

One of the first to anticipate railways superseding canals, James visited George Stephenson in 1821 and signed an agreement with him and his then partner, William Losh, to promote their locomotives.

James wrote to Edward Pease, a key S&DR promoter: "The locomotive engine of Mr Stephenson is superior beyond comparison to all other engines I have seen." Where legend has it that Stephenson one day turned up at Pease's home, Weightman reveals that Pease invited him there. When he left, the S&DR, which opened in 1825, was as good as born.

Weightman delights in resurrecting unsung pioneers like James. But not at the cost of distorting history. The result is a very fresh look at the Industrial Revolution, bringing out the often crucial role played by men of commerce, hitherto overshadowed by the inventors. It provides a timely reminder that the IR is primarily about people rather than machines.