Rev. W. Awdry, Christopher Awdry ​

Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry and Christopher Awdry were both English writers known for creating the Thomas the Tank Engine series. The Rev. W. Awdry wrote the first 26 books in the series, which was then continued by his son, Christopher. Their books have delighted generations of children and inspired a highly successful TV adaptation.

Quick Facts ​

• Created the famous children's character Thomas the Tank Engine.
• Their stories have been adapted for television, translated into multiple languages, and sold millions of copies worldwide.
• They wrote a total of 42 books in the Thomas the Tank Engine series.
• Characters from their books have featured in the popular television series Thomas & Friends.
• Their books are celebrated for teaching moral lessons to children.

Background ​

Rev. W. Awdry was born in 1911 in Romsey, Hampshire, England. He was educated at Dauntsey's School, a co-educational independent school in Wiltshire, after which he enrolled at St. Peter's Hall, Oxford to study Theology. Awdry was an Anglican clergyman and railway enthusiast who found fame as a children's author, creating the beloved character, Thomas the Tank Engine. The character came about as a story he crafted to entertain his son during a bout of measles. The tales were first published in 1945 and were an immediate success.

His son, Christopher Awdry, born in 1940, followed in his father's footsteps, both as a railway enthusiast and as an author, continuing his father's popular children's book series after his father passed away. He wrote 40 books about Thomas and his friends, starting from 1983. The books have been translated into many languages and the characters have been immortalized in a popular children's television series.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Rev. W. Awdry and his son Christopher Awdry's writing style is simple yet engaging, catering specifically to children. Their books revolve around anthropomorphized railway locomotives and their adventures. They emphasized moral values in these stories, teaching children about friendship, responsibility, and teamwork. Their work made a significant cultural impact, resulting in the widely known and popular Thomas The Tank Engine franchise.

Notable Works ​

• The Three Railway Engines (1945)
• Thomas the Tank Engine (1946)
• James the Red Engine (1948)
• Henry the Green Engine (1951)
• Gunslinger (1955)
• Very Old Engines (1965)
• Thomas's Christmas Party (1984)
• Thomas and the Evil Diesel (1987)
• James and the Diesel Engines (1984)
• Henry and the Express (2011)