This text celebrates the 150th anniversary of the opening of the major part of the London to Southampton, demonstrating it was not all plain sailing. Retelling in words and pictures the full story of the smallest of the four major companies of the Grouping era, with contributions from experts in all fields including many who worked on the line. The Southern devloped its own touch of magic, created the world's largest suburban electrification, and increased its passengers by 50%, despite the depression and road competition.