The term 'steam roller' has become part of the English language, rather like Biro or Hoover. Steam rollers themselves began to be made during the 1860s. It was Thomas Aveling who perfected the most common three-point design with a wide steerable roll at the front and a roll either side at the rear. His company, Aveling & Porter, became the largest manufacturer of steam rollers, although most other traction-engine builders also produced designs, some quite innovative.

Steam rollers were the last type of steam-powered road vehicle in general use, some remaining in service until the mid-1960s. Consequently, many hundreds have survived into preservation and can regularly be seen at rallies and other events.

This book illustrates many of the examples from different makers that can be seen in Britain and details their history into preservation.