Few books are available on Sweden’s SJ Railway, but of those few two are exceptional: SJ 1856-1956 and SJ 125 AR. The 100 year anniversary of SJ is documented by lavish photogravure illustrations with a particular photographic styled referred to as ‘reportage’ thus the SJ Railway is celebrated as a national treasure that links the people and the country. A beautiful hardbound book that was originally delivered with a glassine dustjacket. The second book for this review is SJ 125 AR thus an updated anniversary publication for SJ at 125 years featuring an English text on the history of the SJ 1856-1981. Similar to the 100 year anniversary publication this one is entirely illustrated with color plates and gives a broader historical perspective for the Statens Jarnvagar Railway. Two great books on one great railway!

SJ 1856-1956, published by Nordisk Rotogravyr, Stockholm, 1956

SJ 125 AR, published by Jarnvagsmuseum, 1981