Subject
Mining engineers -- Fiction Books
Best books
Peter B. (Peter Bernard) Kyne
Webster—Man's Man
"Webster—Man's Man" by Peter B. Kyne is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows John Stuart Webster, a rugged mining engineer with a taste for adventure and a penchant for colorful encounters. As he journeys from the wilds of Death Valley to the more civilized environments, Webster finds himself caught in a series of humorous and lively situations that reveal his larger-than-life personality and the charm he possesses despite his rough exterior. The opening of the story introduces John Stuart Webster as he hitches a ride on a train, bringing a humorous and carefree demeanor amidst his rugged appearances. He’s a man with grand plans, including feasting on luxurious meals and indulging in the comforts of civilization after a life of hardship in the wilderness. Shortly after boarding, he finds himself protecting a lady from an unwelcome suitor, showcasing both his gentlemanly qualities and his bravado. As the plot progresses, Webster’s ambitions to reconnect with a remarkable woman he briefly encountered intertwine with his loyalty to his misjudged friend Billy Geary, setting the stage for future adventures that blend romance and the thrill of mining escapades.
Richard Harding Davis
Soldiers of Fortune
"Soldiers of Fortune" by Richard Harding Davis is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of high society in New York City, focusing on the intersecting lives of Alice Langham, a strong-willed woman seeking emotional depth beyond social expectations, and Robert Clay, a rugged cowboy come from the West, who introspects on the lives of ordinary workers versus the advantages of the wealthy elite. Their interactions suggest themes of authenticity, societal roles, and the yearning for genuine connection. At the start of the novel, we meet Alice Langham, who is caught in the convolutions of social dining, ultimately feeling distanced from her suitor, Reginald King, who she believes views her as a prize rather than an equal. Clay, introduced as a new character at dinner, piques her interest with his fresh perspective. The narrative delves into Alice's internal conflict regarding her longing for a partner who truly understands her, contrasted with the superficial engagements of her social circle. Through a series of conversations at the dinner, including discussions of civil engineering and the adventurous lives that it entails, the groundwork for the connection between Alice and Clay is laid, suggesting that their paths will weave together in unexpected ways in the narrative to unfold.
Clara Louise Burnham
The Inner Flame: A Novel
"The Inner Flame: A Novel" by Clara Louise Burnham is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. This novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and personal growth set against a backdrop of human struggles and relationships. Central to the story are Mary Sidney and her son Philip, as they navigate their lives in a remote mountain cabin and cope with the complexities of art, familial expectations, and the search for meaning. At the start of the narrative, readers find themselves in a cozy mountain cabin during a fierce November storm, where Mary Sidney and her cousin, Mrs. Fabian, engage in a conversation reflecting on their lives and the passage of time. As Mary reveals her deep connection with her son Philip, an aspiring artist, and her struggle with the limitations imposed by her mining engineer husband, the weight of family dynamics and external expectations become apparent. The scene is set for the unfolding drama in Philip’s artistic ambitions and the various challenges he faces as he seeks to honor his mother’s legacy while grappling with his own identity.
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