This book tells the story of one of the most important inventions of all time – the telephone. It traces its history from its introduction to Britain in 1878 to the present. The humble telephone is shown in all its varied shapes and forms, from elaborate and decorative patterns of the early days to today’s smart designs. Also covered in detail are the early telephone company’s, technical developments, equipment, as well as special sorts of telephones found on railway systems and the like. This book is generously illustrated with numerous early photographs and illustrations depicting the phone in all its varied designs. This informative book will be of great interest to social historians, collectors, and those wanting to know the history behind one of today’s great necessities.