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Transculturation

2024-04-25T04:32:04Z

2001:8003:221A:2401:E077:5C5B:FC67:9754: /* References */ made title of one book italicized.

{{Short description|Phenomenon of merging and converging cultures}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Essay-like|date=December 2007}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2008}}
}}

'''Transculturation''' is a term coined by Cuban anthropologist [[Fernando Ortiz Fernández|Fernando Ortiz]] in 1940<ref>[http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/s/a/sam50/readings521/ORTIZ_Counter-Engl.pdf Ortiz 1995], pp. v, 97</ref> to describe the phenomenon of merging and converging cultures. Transculturation encompasses more than transition from one culture to another; it does not consist merely of acquiring another culture (acculturation) or of losing or uprooting a previous culture (deculturation). Rather, it merges these concepts and instead carries the idea of the consequent creation of new cultural phenomena ([[neoculturation]])<ref>{{Harvnb|Ortiz|1995|pp=102–103|url=http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/s/a/sam50/readings521/ORTIZ_Counter-Engl.pdf}}</ref> in which the blending of cultures is understood as producing something entirely new.

Although transculturation is somewhat inevitable, [[cultural hegemony]] has historically shaped this process. Particularly, Ortiz referred to the devastating effects of Spanish colonialism on Cuba's indigenous peoples as a "failed transculturation". Further, he affirmed "that when cultures encounter each other, each of the parties invariably exerts a strong influence on the other(s)."<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Hermann|first=Elfriede|date=2007-12-01|title=Communicating with Transculturation|journal=Journal de la société des océanistes|issue=125|pages=257–260|doi=10.4000/jso.980|issn=0300-953X|doi-access=free}}</ref> Transculturation is often the result of colonial conquest and subjugation. In a postcolonial era, the effects of this oppression remain, as native peoples struggle to regain their own sense of identity. On the other hand, new musical genres have often emerged as a result of transculturation. In reference to Cuba in particular, there exists a mixture between European and African musics as "African slaves left a major imprint on Cuban society, especially in the area of Cuban popular music."<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Boggs|first=Vernon W.|date=24 July 2008|title=Musical transculturation: From Afro-Cuban to Afro-Cubanization, Popular Music and Society|journal=Popular Music and Society}}</ref>

Where transculturation affects ethnicity and ethnic issues, the term "ethnoconvergence" is sometimes used.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} In a general sense, transculturation covers [[war]], [[ethnic conflict]], [[racism]], [[multiculturalism]], [[cross-culturalism]], [[interracial marriage]], and any other of a number of contexts that deal with more than one culture. In the other general sense, transculturation is one aspect of global phenomena and human events.

The general processes of transculturation are extremely complex—steered by powerful forces at the macrosocial level, yet ultimately resolved at the interpersonal level. The driving force for conflict is simple [[Proxemics|proximity]]—boundaries, once separating people (providing for a measure of isolation) become the issue of a conflict when societies encroach upon one another territorially. If a means to co-exist cannot be immediately found, then conflicts can be hostile, leading to a process by which contact between individuals leads to some resolution. Often, history shows us, the processes of co-existence begins with hostilities, and with the natural passing of polarist individuals, comes the passing of their polarist sentiments, and soon some resolution is achieved. Degrees of hostile conflict vary from outright genocidal conquest, to lukewarm infighting between differing political views within the same ethnic community.{{Citation needed|date=May 2008}}

These changes often represent differences between homeland pons, and their [[diasporic]] communities abroad. Obstacles to '''ethnoconvergence''' are not great. The primary issue, [[language]], (''hence, communication and education'') can be overcome within a single generation—as is evident in the easy acclimation of children of foreign parents. English, for example, is spoken by more non-Anglo-American people than by Anglo-Americans. It has become the current [[lingua-franca]], the worldwide ''de facto'' standard international language.

Processes of transculturation become more complex within the context of [[globalization]], given the multiple layers of abstraction that permeate everyday experiences. Elizabeth Kath argues that in the global era we can no longer consider transculturation only in relation to the face-to-face, but that we need to take into account the many layers of abstracted interactions that are interwoven through face-to-face encounters, a phenomenon that she describes as ''layers of transculturation''.<ref>Kath, Elizabeth (2015) [http://www.rowmaninternational.com/books/narratives-of-globalization "On Transculturation: Re-enacting and Remaking Latin Dance and Music in Foreign Lands"] In Julian Lee (Ed) ''Narratives of Globalization: Reflections on the Global Condition.'' Rowman & Littlefield International</ref> Kath draws upon the concept of constitutive abstraction as seen in the work of Australian social theorists Geoff Sharp<ref>Sharp, Geoff (1993) "Extended Forms of the Social", ''Arena,'' 1</ref> and [[Paul James (academic)|Paul James]].<ref>James, Paul (1996) ''Nation Formation: Towards a Theory of Abstract Community,'' SAGE</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|title = Emotional Ambivalence Across Times and Spaces: Mapping Petrarch's Intersecting Worlds|last = James|first = Paul|date = 2014|journal = Exemplaria|volume = 26|pages = 81–104|doi = 10.1179/1041257313Z.00000000044|s2cid = 191454887}}</ref>

==Homogenization versus ethnoconvergence==

It has been observed that even in monolingual, industrial societies like urban North America, some individuals do cling to a "modernized" primordial identity, apart from others. Some intellectuals, such as [[Michael Ignatieff]], argue that convergence of a general culture does not directly entail a similar convergence in [[ethnic]] identities. This can become evident in social situations, where people divide into separate groups, despite being of an identical "super-ethnicity", such as [[nationality]].

Within each smaller ethnicity, individuals may tend to see it perfectly justified to assimilate with other cultures, and some others view assimilation as wrong and incorrect for their culture. This common theme, representing dualist opinions of ethnoconvergence itself, within a single ethnic group is often manifested in issues of [[sexual partner]]s and [[marriage]], employment preferences, etc. These varied opinions of ethnoconvergence represent themselves in a spectrum; [[cultural assimilation|assimilation]], [[wikt:homogeneous|homogenization]], [[acculturation]], and [[cultural compromise]] are commonly used terms for ethnoconvegence which flavor the issues to a bias.

Often it's in a secular, multi-ethnic environment that cultural concerns are both minimised and exacerbated; Ethnic prides are boasted, hierarchy is created ("center" culture versus "periphery") but on the other hand, they will still share a common "culture", and common language and behaviours. Often the elderly, more conservative-in-association of a clan, tend to reject cross-cultural associations, and participate in ethnically similar community-oriented activities. [[Xenophobia|Xenophobes]] tend to think of cross-cultural contact as a component of assimilation, and see this as harmful.

==Obstacles to ethnoconvergence==

The obstacle to ethnoconvergence is [[ethnocentrism]], which is the view that one's culture is of greater importance than another's. Ethnocentrism often takes different forms, as it is a highly personal bias, and manifests itself in countless aspects of culture. [[Religion]], or belief, is the prime ethnocentric divider. Second is [[convention (norm)|custom]], which often overlaps with religion. With the adherence to each distinct component within ones own culture, comes the repulsion of the other. In most regions, ethnic divides are binary, meaning only two distinct cultures are present, each seeing the other as foreign. Many, however make the point that the binary example is the exception, and the norm is far more dynamic.

Ethnicity can be divided into two distinct areas, as they relate to ethnoconvergence: Utilitarian traits, and traditional customs.

Religion, on the other hand, is a highly personal and attached part of culture. However, religion does not neatly correspond with ethnic identity. In many [[Multicultural|cosmopolitan]] societies, religion is everything—social, utilitarian, intellectual, political—from the point of view of people of immersed cultures; the very concept of ethnicity and its distinctions is incongruous to their immersed concepts.

In many societies, such as in those in Europe, languages are considered a significant component of ethnic values. This does not mean that most Europeans reject learning other languages. Quite the contrary, Europeans are often polyglots, and may label other individuals by their ethnicities; practical means of distinguishing cultures may resemble tendencies similar to ethnocentrism.

However, the political and cultural significance of regional or national languages are retained because these polyglots conform to the linguistic norms of the place they visit—doing "as the Romans do". Thus, conforming to the "ethnic integrity" of the region.

It has even become a cliché that "to learn a new language is to adopt a new soul". There are many other examples of the essential significance of language. In pre-[[Russia]]n [[Siberia]], [[Siberian Tatars|Tatar-Mongol]] colonists in the [[Taiga]] often recognized indigenous speakers of [[Turkic languages]] as their "own people" and non-Turkic groups as "foreigners", despite these indigenous groups having a similar level of material culture, and sharing much of a primitive culture with tribes foreign to the Muslim-Buddhist Tatar-Mongols.

==Transcultural communications==

In October 2011, U.S. communications agency [[Bromley Originate Change|Bromley]] launched a new model/[[strategy]] utilizing transcultural [[sociological]] theory as a means to segment and 'make sense' of the changing [[United States|American]] cultural landscape. Returning to classic social science as a solution, [[Bromley Originate Change|Bromley]] has embraced the anthropological approach put forward by thinkers like [[Fernando Ortiz Fernández|Fernando Ortiz]] as a way to account for ethnicity and language without being limited by them as a way for viewing the world.

==See also==
* [[Ángel Rama]]
* [[Cross-cultural]]
* [[Cultural globalization]]
* [[Cultural hegemony]]
* [[Enculturation]]
* [[Intercultural competence]]
* [[Intercultural relations]]

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==References==
*{{citation| last=Allatson| first=Paul |year=2007 |title=Key Terms in Latino/a Cultural And Literary Studies |place=Oxford and Malden, MA |publisher=Blackwell |isbn=978-1-4051-0250-6}}.
*Duno-Gottberg, Luis. (2003). ''Solventando las differencias: La ideología del mestizaje en Cuba'', Iberoamericana – Frankfurt am Main, Vervuert, Madrid.
*{{citation|last=Ortiz|first=Fernando|author-link=Fernando Ortiz Fernández|title=Cuban Counterpoint: Tobacco and Sugar|place=Durham, NC|publisher=Duke University Press|year=1995|isbn=978-0-8223-1616-9|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/cubancounterpoin02orti}}. Trans. Harriet de Onís. (Original Spanish edition published in 1940. Original translation by Onìs published in 1947, New York: Knopf.)
*Oxford English Dictionary
* Spitta, Silvia. ''Between Two Waters: Narratives of Transculturation in Latin America'' (Rice UP 1995; Texas A&M 2006)

==Further reading==
* Dagnino, Arianna. ''Transcultural Writers and Novels in the Age of Global Mobility''. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press, 2015.

{{Culture}}

[[Category:1940s neologisms]]
[[Category:Cultural concepts]]
[[Category:Human migration]]
[[Category:Cultural geography]]
[[Category:Multiculturalism]]
[[Category:Cultural studies]]
[[Category:Interculturalism]]
[[Category:Cultural exchange|*]]

The Railway Stories

2019-02-27T06:48:00Z

2001:8003:D134:6500:7D23:CD47:2538:6F17: /* Ted Robbins recordings */No page for Ken Stott exists

'''''The Railway Stories''''' are a series of audio adaptations of [[The Railway Series]] books by the [[W.V. Awdry|Rev. W Awdry]] and his son [[Christopher Awdry|Christopher]].

Nearly all of the 42 books in the series have been recorded by one of five different narrators: [[Johnny Morris]], [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]], [[Ted Robbins]], [[Michael Angelis]], and even the Rev. W. Awdry himself.

==Rev. W. Awdry recordings==
{{refimprove|section|date=May 2018}}
The first known audio adaptation was a 7" (33⅓rpm) [[Extended play|EP]] narrated by the [[W.V. Awdry|Rev. W. Awdry]] himself ([http://www.pegnsean.net/~railwayseries/awdryania.htm see photo]), with "background effects taken from real engines".

This record, released in 1957 by Chiltern Records of [[Princes Risborough]], contained two stories – ''Edward's Day Out'' and ''Edward and Gordon'' – from the first book in the Railway Series: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Three Railway Engines|''The Three Railway Engines'']].<ref name="SIFpage" />

==Johnny Morris recordings (Delysé)==
The first widely available recordings were narrated by [[Johnny Morris]] and released in the early 1960s by the Delysé Recording Company. Each 7" (45rpm) [[vinyl record]] contained two stories, taken from the first eleven books of The Railway Series. The recordings were released in [[monaural|mono]].<ref name="SIFpage" />

The front of the record sleeve showed an original illustration from the story in the original book. While on the back, there was a list of the other recordings in "The Railway Engine Series" [sic], together with an introduction from the [[W.V. Awdry|Rev. W. Awdry]]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155>''Reverse of record sleeve DEL155, Delysé Recording Co., 1966''</ref>

{{cquote|''My father was a railway enthusiast and brought me up accordingly. Our home at Box, Wiltshire, was near the Great Western main line and listening to heavy freights clawing up the grade it was not hard to imagine train engine and banker talking to each other, and for me, steam engines developed personality.'' 
''So when my son caught measles at the age of three I told him these stories to amuse him. They were not written down at first, I made them up as I went along. But I had to tell them so often, carefully using the same words, that both he and I soon knew them by heart.'' 
''It was only later, at my wife's suggestion, that I wrote them down, so that other children besides our own might have pleasure from them too.''      — Rev. W. Awdry
}}

The label on the record was also quite distinctive, showing a smiling red engine on a blue/white background. The label was carefully designed so that the [[record player]] spindle fitted through the engine's 'nose'! No attempt had been made to make the engine look like one of those from the stories.

===Record Details===
Stories from Book 1 - [[List of Railway Series Books#The Three Railway Engines|''The Three Railway Engines'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List>''List of "Other recordings in the Railway Engine Series" – reverse of record sleeve DEL155, Delysé Recording Co., 1966''</ref>
*'''DEL101''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Edward's Day Out, 2. Edward and Gordon
*'''DEL102''' ([[196x]]) - 1. The Sad Story of Henry, 2. Edward, Gordon and Henry

Stories from Book 2 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Thomas the Tank Engine|''Thomas the Tank Engine'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL103''' (1961) - 1. Thomas and Gordon, 2. Thomas's Train
*'''DEL104''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Thomas and the Trucks, 2. Thomas and the Breakdown Train

Stories from Book 3 - [[List of Railway Series Books#James the Red Engine|''James the Red Engine'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL114''' ([[196x]]) - 1. James and the Top Hat, 2. James and the Bootlace
*'''DEL115''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Troublesome Trucks, 2. James and the Express

Stories from Book 4 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Tank Engine Thomas Again|''Tank Engine Thomas Again'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL137''' (1964) - 1. Thomas and the Guard, 2. Thomas Goes Fishing
*'''DEL138''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Thomas, Terence and the Snow, 2. Thomas and Bertie

Stories from Book 5 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Troublesome Engines|''Troublesome Engines'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL142''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Henry and the Elephant, 2. Tenders and Turntables
*'''DEL143''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Trouble in the Shed, 2. Percy Runs Away

Stories from Book 6 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Henry the Green Engine|''Henry the Green Engine'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL150''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Coal, 2. The Flying Kipper
*'''DEL151''' (1966) - 1. Gordon's Whistle, 2. Henry's Sneeze

Stories from Book 7 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Toby the Tram Engine|''Toby the Tram Engine'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL152''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Toby and the Stout Gentleman, 2. Thomas in Trouble
*'''DEL153''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Dirty Objects, 2. Mrs Kindley's Christmas

Stories from Book 8 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Gordon the Big Engine|''Gordon the Big Engine'']]:<ref name=DelyseDEL155List/>
*'''DEL154''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Off the Rails, 2. Leaves
*'''DEL155''' (1966) - 1. Down the Mine, 2. Paint Pots and Queens

Stories from Book 9 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Edward the Blue Engine|''Edward the Blue Engine'']]:
*'''DEL212''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Cows!, 2. Berties' Chase
*'''DEL213''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Saved from Scrap, 2. Old Iron

Stories from Book 10 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Four Little Engines|''Four Little Engines'']]:
*'''DEL214''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Skarloey Remembers, 2. Sir Handel
*'''DEL215''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Peter, Sam and the Refreshment Lady, 2. Old Faithful

Stories from Book 11 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Percy the Small Engine|''Percy the Small Engine'']]:
*'''DEL216''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Percy and the Signal, 2. Duck Takes Charge
*'''DEL217''' ([[196x]]) - 1. Percy and Harold, 2. Percy's Promise



==Decca and Argo recordings==
In the 1970s the stories were released on 12" (33⅓rpm) vinyl albums by [[Decca Records]] as part of their "World of Children's Stories" series. Each record contained the stories from two complete books, one book on each side. The sleeve notes included the same quote from Rev. W. Awdry (see Delysé recordings, above). The sleeve illustrations were taken directly from the artwork of the original books.

The first eight books were again narrated by [[Johnny Morris]]. The original Delysé recordings were re-used.<ref name="SIFpage" />

Decca was also the owner of the [[Argo Records (UK)|Argo]] label, renowned for its audiobooks and other non-music recordings. It was therefore a natural progression to extend the series on this label. New recordings were made for six further books from The Railway Series, starting with [[List of Railway Series Books#Edward the Blue Engine|''Edward the Blue Engine'']]. These stories were narrated by [[Willie Rushton]] and the gaps between the tracks included atmospheric (if not always accurate) steam or diesel sound effects.<ref name="SIFpage" />

The albums were later released on audio cassette under the same labels. Recordings were produced by Peter Johnson ('Peter John Productions'); with Kaye & Ward Ltd and Third Man Music being identified as owners of the works.

Subsequently, Willie Rushton also recorded the remaining books (up to no. 26 [[List of Railway Series Books#Tramway Engines|''Tramway Engines'']]) on the Argo label. These recordings were never released on vinyl, only on audio cassette.<ref name="SIFpage" />

===List of recordings===

====Individual books====
The Johnny Morris albums were identified as 'Volume 1' to 'Volume 4'; while the Willie Rushton recordings omitted any 'Volume' identity on the front cover. For clarity, the recording details below have been identified by volume numbers, regardless of whether these were shown on the sleeve.

'''Volume 1: DECCA MONO LP - PA 270 (1972), Cassette - KCPA 270 (19??)'''
*Narrator: [[Johnny Morris]]

'''Side 1''' (from Book 1: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Three Railway Engines|''The Three Railway Engines'']])
# Edward's Day Out
# Edward and Gordon
# The Sad Story of Henry
# Edward, Gordon and Henry

'''Side 2''' (from Book 2: [[List of Railway Series Books#Thomas the Tank Engine|''Thomas the Tank Engine'']])
# Thomas and Gordon
# Thomas's Train
# Thomas and the Trucks
# Thomas and the Breakdown Train

'''Volume 2: DECCA MONO LP - PA 271 (1972), Cassette - KCPA 271 (19??)'''
*Narrator: [[Johnny Morris]]

'''Side 1''' (from Book 3: [[List of Railway Series Books#James the Red Engine|''James the Red Engine'']])
# James and the Top Hat
# James and the Bootlace
# Troublesome Trucks
# James and the Express

'''Side 2''' (from Book 4: [[List of Railway Series Books#Tank Engine Thomas Again|''Tank Engine Thomas Again'']])
# Thomas and the Guard
# Thomas Goes Fishing
# Thomas, Terence and the Snow
# Thomas and Bertie

'''Volume 3: DECCA MONO LP - PA 272 (1972), Cassette - KCPA 272 (19??)'''
*Narrator: [[Johnny Morris]]

'''Side 1''' (from Book 5: [[List of Railway Series Books#Troublesome Engines|''Troublesome Engines'']])
# Henry and the Elephant
# Tenders and Turntables
# Trouble in the Shed
# Percy Runs Away

'''Side 2''' (from Book 6: [[List of Railway Series Books#Henry the Green Engine|''Henry the Green Engine'']])
# Coal
# The Flying Kipper
# Gordon’s Whistle
# Henry’s Sneeze
''(The book ''Henry the Green Engine'' was unique in the series by having five stories rather than four. For the recording, it was the fourth story "Percy and the Trousers" which was omitted.)''

'''Volume 4: DECCA MONO LP - PA 273 (1972), Cassette - KCPA 273 (19??)'''
*Narrator: [[Johnny Morris]]

'''Side 1''' (from Book 7: [[List of Railway Series Books#Toby the Tram Engine|''Toby the Tram Engine'']])
# Toby and the Stout Gentleman
# Thomas in Trouble
# Dirty Objects
# Mrs Kindley's Christmas

'''Side 2''' (from Book 8: [[List of Railway Series Books#Gordon the Big Engine|''Gordon the Big Engine'']])
# Off the Rails
# Leaves
# Down the Mine
# Paint Pots and Queens

'''Volume 5: ARGO STEREO LP - SPA 559 (19??), Cassette - KCSP 559 (1979)'''
*Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]

'''Side 1''' (from Book 9: [[List of Railway Series Books#Edward the Blue Engine|''Edward the Blue Engine'']])
# Cows
# Bertie's Chase
# Saved from Scrap
# Old Iron

'''Side 2''' (from Book 10: [[List of Railway Series Books#Four Little Engines|''Four Little Engines'']])
# Skarloey Remembers
# Sir Handel
# Peter Sam & The Refreshment Lady
# Old Faithful

'''Volume 6: ARGO STEREO LP - SPA 560 (19??), Cassette - KCSP 560 (1979)'''
*Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]

'''Side 1''' (from Book 11: [[List of Railway Series Books#Percy the Small Engine|''Percy the Small Engine'']])
#Percy and the Signal
#Duck Takes Charge
#Percy and Harold
#Percy’s Promise

'''Side 2''' (from Book 12: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Eight Famous Engines|''The Eight Famous Engines'']])
#Percy Takes the Plunge
#Gordon Goes Foreign
#Double Header
#The Fat Controller’s Engines

'''Volume 7: ARGO STEREO LP - SPA 561 (1972), Cassette - KCSP 561 (1979)'''
*Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]

'''Side 1''' (from Book 13: [[List of Railway Series Books#Duck and the Diesel Engine|''Duck and the Diesel Engine'']])
#Domeless Engines
#Pop Goes The Diesel
#Dirty Work
#A Close Shave

'''Side 2''' (from Book 14: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Little Old Engine|''The Little Old Engine'']])
#Trucks
#Home At Last
#Rock 'n' Roll
#Little Old Twins

''The case insert for the cassette version lists the story titles as being on 'Side 1' and 'Side 2', but the labels on the cassette itself are marked '5' and '6'. By comparison, the label on cassette KCSP 559 identifies the sides conventionally ('1' and '2'). ''

====Compilations====
In addition to the individual releases, the recordings were re-released together as compilations on the Argo label. The first compilations were released on two pairs of individually cased cassettes: one pair for the Johnny Morris stories, one pair for Willie Rushton's.

The Willie Rushton compilation was released again after Decca's acquisition by [[PolyGram]] in 1980, this time as a twin boxed set. The recordings were distributed exclusively by [[EMI]], which was somewhat ironic as EMI was Decca's main competitor for several decades. In addition to the 'new' Argo logo, the EMI logo was displayed on the spine of the case sleeve.

The sleeve artwork was a heavily cropped portion of the illustration from the earlier compilation. The picture was based on one from the original books, the artist being credited as "Quick on the Draw". Decca was shown as copyright holder; Kaye & Ward Ltd and Third Man Music were no longer mentioned in the sleeve notes

First release: 
'''The Railway Stories - ARGO - SAY 87/1 - two mono cassettes - (date unknown)'''
* Narrator: [[Johnny Morris]]
*Side 1 - [[List of Railway Series Books#The Three Railway Engines|''The Three Railway Engines'']]
*Side 2 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Thomas the Tank Engine|''Thomas the Tank Engine'']]
*Side 3 - [[List of Railway Series Books#James the Red Engine|''James the Red Engine'']]:
*Side 4 - [[List of Railway Series Books#Tank Engine Thomas Again|''Tank Engine Thomas Again'']]

''These tapes were marked as 'a Delesé Production.'''

'''The Railway Stories - ARGO - SAY 29 - two stereo cassettes - (date unknown)'''
* Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]
* Tape content is the same as for the 'second release' tapes.

''The cassette label and case insert showed the title as "The Railway Stories", and named the narrator and original author. Apart from this, and the usual copyright data, they were completely devoid of any indication as to the content of the recordings or the people behind them. It is not known whether the cassettes were originally supplied in some form of additional outer case that better described their content.''

Second release: 
'''The Railway Stories - ARGO 1058 - Double stereo cassette - (1982)'''
* Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]

'''Sides One & Two''' – (tape 1 - individually labelled '''ARGO 1059'''):
* Book 9: [[List of Railway Series Books#Edward the Blue Engine|''Edward the Blue Engine'']]
* Book 10: [[List of Railway Series Books#Four Little Engines|''Four Little Engines'']]
* Book 11: [[List of Railway Series Books#Percy the Small Engine|''Percy the Small Engine'']]

'''Sides Three & Four''' – (tape 2 - individually labelled '''ARGO 1060'''):
* Book 12: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Eight Famous Engines|''The Eight Famous Engines'']]
* Book 13: [[List of Railway Series Books#Duck and the Diesel Engine|''Duck and the Diesel Engine'']]
* Book 14: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Little Old Engine|''The Little Old Engine'']]

'''More Railway Stories - ARGO xxxx - Double stereo cassette - (1983)'''
* Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]
* Cover picture: [[Peter Sam]], from "Special Funnel"

'''Sides One & Two''' – (tape 1 - individually labelled '''ARGO xxxx'''):
* Book 15: [[List of Railway Series Books#The Twin Engines|''The Twin Engines'']]
* Book 16: [[List of Railway Series Books#Branch Line Engines|''Branch Line Engines'']]
* Book 17: [[List of Railway Series Books#Gallant Old Engine|''Gallant Old Engine'']]

'''Sides Three & Four''' – (tape 2 - individually labelled '''ARGO xxxx'''):
* Book 18: [[List of Railway Series Books#Stepney the “Bluebell” Engine|''Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine'']]
* Book 19: [[List of Railway Series Books#Mountain Engines|''Mountain Engines'']]
* Book 20: [[List of Railway Series Books#Very Old Engines|''Very Old Engines'']]

'''Further Railway Stories - ARGO xxxx - Double stereo cassette - (1983)'''
* Narrator: [[Willie Rushton|William Rushton]]
* Cover picture: [[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]], from "Super Rescue"

'''Sides One & Two''' – (tape 1 - individually labelled '''ARGO xxxx'''):
* Book 21: [[List of Railway Series Books#Main Line Engines|''Main Line Engines'']]
* Book 22: [[List of Railway Series Books#Small Railway Engines|''Small Railway Engines'']]
* Book 23: [[List of Railway Series Books#Enterprising Engines|''Enterprising Engines'']]

'''Sides Three & Four''' – (tape 2 - individually labelled '''ARGO xxxx'''):
* Book 24: [[List of Railway Series Books#Oliver the Western Engine|''Oliver the Western Engine'']]
* Book 25: [[List of Railway Series Books#Duke the Lost Engine|''Duke the Lost Engine'']]
* Book 26: [[List of Railway Series Books#Tramway Engines|''Tramway Engines'']]

==Ted Robbins recordings==
In association with Reed-Tempo Publishing, [[Ted Robbins]] recorded most of the stories written by [[Christopher Awdry]]. These were released in the 1990s by Egmont Books, on a series of four audio cassettes.<ref name="SIFpage" /> In each case, the 'middle' book was split across the two sides of the cassette:

'''''Thomas and the Twins, and other stories''''' (1994) ( {{ISBN|1-86021-000-7}} )
* Book 33: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Thomas and the Twins|Thomas and the Twins]]''
* Book 32: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Toby, Trucks and Trouble|Toby, Trucks and Trouble]]''
* Book 30: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#More About Thomas the Tank Engine|More About Thomas the Tank Engine]]''

'''''Gordon the High Speed Engine, and other stories''''' (1994) ( {{ISBN|1-86021-001-5}} )
* Book 31: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Gordon the High Speed Engine|Gordon the High Speed Engine]]''
* Book 36: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Thomas Comes Home|Thomas Comes Home]]''
* Book 37: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Henry and the Express|Henry and the Express]]''

'''''Really Useful Engines, and other stories''''' (1995) ( {{ISBN|1-86021-013-9}} )
* Book 27: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Really Useful Engines|Really Useful Engines]]''
* Book 29: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Great Little Engines|Great Little Engines]]''
* Book 38: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Wilbert the Forest Engine|Wilbert the Forest Engine]]''

'''''James and the Diesel Engine, and other stories''''' (1995) ( {{ISBN|1-86021-021-X}} )
* Book 28: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#James and the Diesel Engines|James and the Diesel Engines]]''
* Book 34: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Jock the New Engine|Jock the New Engine]]''
* Book 35: ''[[List of Railway Series Books#Thomas and the Great Railway Show|Thomas and the Great Railway Show]]''



A selection of the stories were later released for the [[Early Learning Centre]], under the title ''Storytime with Thomas the Tank Engine'': "10 classic railway stories with music and sound effects". There were two cassettes released, both using the same Ken Stott-style illustration, the second being labelled 'Volume 2'.

==Michael Angelis recordings==
The first new Railway Stories recording in over 10 years was released on CD by [[BBC Audiobooks]] in March 2006.<ref name=SIFpage>{{cite web|title=Thomas on Audio|url=http://www.sodor-island.net/thomasonaudio.html|website=Sodor Island Forums|accessdate=May 25, 2018}}</ref> It contained adaptations of the first three Railway Series books, and was narrated by [[Michael Angelis]]. So far, six such CDs have been released, each containing three volumes from the Railway Series.

The CDs are more reflective of the ''[[Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends]]'' TV series than the Railway Series books. This is evident through the cover art, which uses promotional images from the recent series', the storytelling style, and the splicing of several of the songs from the TV series within the stories. <ref name="SIFpage" />

The first volume of The Railway Stories that Angelis narrated (consisting of The Three Railway Engines, Thomas the Tank Engine, and James the Red Engine) is available for download at the [[iTunes Store]] as well.

Angelis has also recorded a number of stories for the "Thomas & Friends Audio Range". Each book, which is of a similar form to those in the [[My Thomas Story Library]] range, is accompanied by a CD containing the story narrated by Angelis, with sound effects and music.<ref name="SIFpage" /> Known subjects include: Thomas, Gordon, Henry, James, Toby, Bertie and Terence. <ref>{{cite web|title=Coming soon|website=World of Thomas|url=http://www.worldofthomas.co.uk/acatalog/Coming_soon.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070517160426/http://www.worldofthomas.co.uk/acatalog/Coming_soon.html|archive-date=May 17, 2007|deadurl=yes|df=}}</ref>

==Other Recordings==
There have been other audiobooks containing stories from The Railway Series, although most of these are based on stories re-written for the [[Thomas and Friends]] TV series.<ref name="SIFpage" />

==Translations==
At least one set of stories has been released in Welsh [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0905775139 (Tomos A'r Goeden Nadolig)]. Published by Cyhoeddiadau Mei in September 1988, it is {{ISBN|0-905775-13-9}}, but no more is known about this recording.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.pegnsean.net/~railwayseries/awdryania.htm 'Awdryania'] - Description of the merchandise spawned from The Railway Series before the advent of the TV series. Includes pictures of The Railway Stories vinyl singles and albums.
* [http://www.123oldies.co.uk/ '123Oldies'] Johnny Morris Volumes 1 to 4 available on CD
* [http://www.sodor-island.net/storytellers.html Profile of the narrators of the TV series and audio recordings]

{{Thomas}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Railway Stories, The}}
[[Category:The Railway Series]]
[[Category:Audiobooks by title or series]]