Hints on Driving

A seasoned coachman opens the book by insisting that practical knowledge belongs in the public domain, and he sets out to share the hard‑won lessons of his decades behind the reins. From his first night on the Norwich and Ipswich Mail at just seventeen, he describes the rigors of long, lonely stretches of road and the discipline required to keep a four‑horse team steady and safe.

The narrative then moves to his rise through the ranks—handling the swift “Quicksilver” Devonport Mail, tackling the demanding Brighton Day Mail, and mastering the famed Exeter “Telegraph.” Along the way he recounts fierce rivalries with fellow drivers, the constant pressure of competition, and the ever‑present threat of the expanding railway. Interwoven with vivid anecdotes are clear, down‑to‑earth tips on horse management, road reading, and the art of timing, making the work both an engaging memoir and a practical guide for anyone fascinated by the golden age of horse‑drawn travel.