Subject
Civil engineers -- Fiction Books
Best books
H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock
The Young Engineers in Arizona; or, Laying Tracks on the Man-killer Quicksand
"The Young Engineers in Arizona; or Laying Tracks on the Man-killer Quicksand" by H. Irving Handcock is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around two young engineers, Tom Reade and Harry Hazelton, who embark on a challenging project to lay railroad tracks across treacherous quicksand in Arizona. The opening chapters introduce us to the local gambling scene, represented by the unscrupulous character Jim Duff, and illustrate the tension between the engineers and those who seek to benefit from the workers' misfortune. The beginning of the novel sets a lively scene in a barber shop where bets are made over a fly on a mirror, ultimately leading us to Jim Duff's gambling operation. It quickly becomes evident that he is a manipulator who preys on naive newcomers like Clarence Farnsworth. As Reade and Hazelton arrive in town, their youthful determination contrasts with the entrenched dishonesty represented by Duff. The chapter establishes an atmosphere of conflict, hinting at the challenges both men will face from the local gambling element and the environmental hazards of the quicksand they must overcome. The stage is set for an engaging tale of engineering, deception, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Willa Cather
Alexander's Bridge
"Alexander's Bridge" by Willa Cather is a novel first published in 1912. Bartley Alexander is a world-renowned bridge builder caught in a midlife crisis. Though married to Winifred in Boston, he rekindles a romance with former lover Hilda Burgoyne in London. Torn between two worlds, Bartley struggles with guilt and honor as his double life unravels. Meanwhile, a bridge project in Canada demands his attention, setting the stage for a devastating convergence of personal and professional crises.
Francis Lynde
The City of Numbered Days
"The City of Numbered Days" by Francis Lynde is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work explores the life and experiences of Brouillard, a chief of construction in the Reclamation Service, as he embarks on a major project in the arid Buckskin Desert. The narrative hints at themes of personal transformation, labor, and the mix of ambition and societal complexities, primarily through Brouillard and the interactions he has with other characters, including J. Wesley Cortwright, a wealthy visitor, and the indigenous Navajo people. At the start of the story, Brouillard is introduced as a thoughtful and introspective character, reflecting on the significance of the number seven in his life, particularly on his 28th birthday. This personal milestone sparks conversations about change, memory, and the unpredictability of life. As the narrative unfolds, Brouillard engages with a group of engineers while recounting past experiences, and he becomes increasingly intertwined with the charming Cortwright family, including the beautiful Genevieve. The atmosphere shifts with the introduction of a mysterious light in the canyon, suggesting the approach of unforeseen challenges that may disrupt the delicate dynamics of Brouillard’s personal and professional life in this burgeoning frontier society.
Francis Lynde
David Vallory
"David Vallory" by Francis Lynde is a novel written in the early 20th century. It revolves around the character David Vallory, a young engineer returning to his hometown of Middleboro after working on a government harbor project. The story explores David’s complex relationships with his family, particularly with his father, who faces financial ruin, and his interactions with his romantic interests, which add layers of personal and moral dilemmas to the plot. The beginning of the book introduces David's return home after a long absence, where he begins to notice a sense of disappointment about his hometown, now tinged with melancholy. Upon arriving, he discovers his father is in trouble due to the bank's precarious financial situation, leading to a series of family and ethical quandaries. David’s strong idealism clashes with the harsh realities of adult life, as he grapples with the implications of his father’s actions and the weight of their family reputation. As the narrative unfolds, themes of responsibility, the challenge of ideals versus pragmatism, and the complexities of love begin to emerge, setting the stage for David’s journey toward maturity and self-discovery.
Katharine Holland Brown
The Hallowell Partnership
"The Hallowell Partnership" by Katharine Holland Brown is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around siblings Marian and Roderick Hallowell, who navigate the challenges of illness, career opportunities, and the complex dynamics of rural life as they embark on a significant journey together. The novel appears to explore themes of family loyalty and resilience in the face of change and adversity. The opening of "The Hallowell Partnership" introduces the Hallowell siblings as they deal with Marian's recovery from a serious illness and Roderick’s potential new job as an engineer. Roderick receives an offer from the Breckenridge Engineering and Construction Company that could help advance his career, though it requires him to move westward, which concerns Marian. As the two navigate Roderick's job prospects and Marian's apprehensions about the move, the story unfolds with a mixture of sibling affection, aspirations, and the emotional challenges they face in their relationship. Marian's initial reluctance to leave behind the familiarity of Boston sets the tone for their journey, revealing both her vulnerabilities and the deep bond she shares with her brother.
Francis Lynde
The King of Arcadia
"The King of Arcadia" by Francis Lynde is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Breckenridge Ballard, a young engineer who takes on the daunting task of overseeing the construction of a dam in the enigmatic Arcadia Park, all while contending with dangers both natural and human. The narrative hints at underlying conflicts, including a mysterious telegram warning Ballard to steer clear of the project, and a feud with the land's current owner, Colonel Adam Craigmiles, known as the "King of Arcadia". The opening portion of the book sets up Ballard’s journey as he prepares to embark on this new venture, showcasing his interactions with fellow professionals, and highlighting warnings about the project's history of fatalities. Through engaged dialogues, readers learn about the intertwined lives of Ballard and Elsa Craigmiles, the colonel's daughter, which may complicate the rivalry between Ballard and her father. As Ballard navigates through his preparations and his burgeoning feelings for Elsa, the groundwork for tension surrounding the impending construction project is expertly laid, signaling that danger and romantic entanglements will play significant roles in the unfolding narrative.
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