Subject
Dams -- Design and construction -- Fiction Books
Best books
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
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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