The Abandoned Country; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a New Continent.

by Luis Senarens

"The Abandoned Country; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a New Continent" by Senarens is a serialized adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the intrepid inventor Frank Reade, Jr., along with his friend Percy Randall and a sailor named Jack Wendel, as they embark on an exploration of a newly discovered continent beyond the Antarctic ice barrier. The narrative promises thrilling escapades, technological ingenuity, and encounters with previously unknown lands and peoples. At the start of the novel, Percy Randall engages Frank Reade, Jr. in a discussion about whether there are any undiscovered territories left on Earth, sharing a tale of a perilous journey he undertook that led him to believe there is an inhabited land beyond the ice. This leads to Frank assembling a crew—comprising his loyal colleagues, including the jovial and comical Barney and Pomp—to undertake an ambitious expedition with his incredible invention, the Electric Scorcher. As they prepare for their adventure, the opening introduces elements of camaraderie, humor, and hints at the dangers and mysteries that await them in the uncharted territories. The initial chapters set the stage for a captivating journey filled with discovery and challenges.