Subject
Railroads -- Fiction Books
Best books
E. (Edith) Nesbit
The Railway Children
"The Railway Children" by E. Nesbit is a children's book published in 1906. When their father is suddenly imprisoned for espionage, three siblings—Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis—move with their mother from London to a modest house near a railway. There, they befriend an elderly gentleman on the morning train and encounter various adventures involving Russian exiles, injured travelers, and railway workers. The children must navigate their changed circumstances while holding onto hope that their father's name will be cleared.
George Gibbs
The Forbidden Way
"The Forbidden Way" by George Gibbs is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the backdrop of Mesa City, a boom town in Colorado, where the rather ambitious character Jeff Wray is seeking his fortune alongside his friend Larry Berkely. Themes of ambition, love, and betrayal begin to surface as Wray navigates personal and business relationships, particularly with Camilla, a schoolmistress, and Cortland Bent, a rival in both business and love. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Jeff Wray, who is deep in thought over a legal document when his friend Jeff Wray arrives with visible marks from a recent altercation. The unfolding dynamic hints at a tension-laden relationship involving Camilla, whom Jeff feels possessively towards. As Wray and a colleague Mulrennan discuss business ventures and the risky nature of their dealings concerning the 'Lone Tree' mine, the reader learns of the competitive world they inhabit. Simultaneously, the narrative introduces Camilla's internal struggle as she reflects on her feelings for Wray and her circumstances in Mesa City, setting the stage for the intertwining relationships that will be explored throughout the book.
Ellen Anderson Gholson Glasgow
The Romance of a Plain Man
"The Romance of a Plain Man" by Ellen Glasgow is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story launches the reader into the life of Ben Starr, a young boy from a struggling family in Richmond, as he navigates the challenges of his humble environment and the complexities of childhood, family, and societal class. Through Ben's perspective, the book explores themes of innocence, aspiration, and the longing for beauty and belonging in a world marked by poverty and hardship. The opening portion ushers us into Ben's world during a stormy October evening, where he engages in playful conversation with his father, showcasing their simple family life. As rain lashes against their home, the family dynamics are revealed, highlighting Ben's youthful curiosity and innocence. Soon, a mysterious woman and her daughter, Sally, interrupt their evening, introducing the complexities of social class distinctions that will shape Ben's experiences as he grows. Sally's disdainful use of the term "common" to describe Ben plants the seeds of his yearning to rise above his circumstances, setting the stage for his struggles with identity and aspiration. As the story unfolds, we glimpse the early indicators of how Ben's environment will impact his journey throughout the narrative.
Francis Lynde
The Grafters
"The Grafters" by Francis Lynde is a novel likely written during the late 19th century, exploring themes of ambition, economic hardship, and the complexities of human nature in a growing Western city. The story begins in Gaston, a once-promising town that experienced a boom thanks to its railroads but soon faces an economic collapse. Central to the narrative is David Kent, an attorney who embarks on a turbulent journey as he navigates financial ruin, social upheaval, and the intricacies of political power during this tumultuous period. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the historical backdrop of Gaston, illustrating its rapid rise and subsequent fall. The opening section lays out the origins of the town, the influential figures that shaped its destiny, and the coming financial crash that serves as a catalyst for the unfolding story. David Kent, arriving from New Hampshire to seek fortune, finds himself caught up in the ensuing chaos. Through Kent's perspective, we witness the panic that ensues as the town's residents confront their new reality, as well as his own strategic maneuvers to retain his professional and personal integrity amid the encroaching desperation. This opening not only sets the stage for the interwoven lives of its characters but also hints at deeper explorations of ethics and governance in the West.
Frank H. (Frank Hamilton) Spearman
The Daughter of a Magnate
"The Daughter of a Magnate" by Frank H. Spearman is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the American West, it delves into themes of responsibility, ambition, and personal relationships within the railroad industry. The narrative introduces Gertrude Brock, a strong-willed young woman, alongside her family as they navigate both the beauty and peril of their environment, particularly during a tumultuous storm. At the start of the story, the Brock party is traveling on a special train through the mountains, with Gertrude expressing restlessness over being delayed due to rising floodwaters obstructing their route. The conductor shares details about the landscape and the challenges posed by nature, setting a vivid scene of their train journey and hinting at deeper troubles ahead. As the rain falls and the tension builds, the characters find themselves grappling with both physical dangers and personal dynamics, laying the groundwork for the unfolding drama and interactions among the travelers.
Holman Day
The Rainy Day Railroad War
"The Rainy Day Railroad War" by Holman Day is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Rodney Parker, a young assistant engineer who finds himself embroiled in conflicts over labor rights and the construction of a railroad through a tumultuous wilderness. As Parker grapples with the challenges posed by the oppressive local timber magnate, Colonel Gideon Ward, he not only faces physical threats but also navigates the complexities of ethics, justice, and corporate interests in a rapidly changing world. The opening of this engaging tale introduces readers to Parker and his role in the railroad construction project, set against the rugged backdrop of a new work site populated by immigrant laborers. The tensions escalate quickly when Parker stands up for the rights of the Italian workers in a restaurant who are mistreated by their padrone, Dominick. The situation spirals into chaos with accusations, physical confrontations, and the urgent need for Parker to prove himself as a leader. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a gritty, dynamic conflict that intertwines social justice with personal ambition, setting the stage for Parker's upcoming challenges against both Ward and the elements of the wild.
Ridgwell Cullum
The Son of his Father
"The Son of his Father" by Ridgwell Cullum is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Gordon Carbhoy, a young man who finds himself at a decisive crossroads in life after amassing a significant debt due to his reckless living. His father, a wealthy railroad magnate, offers him one final chance to prove himself by leaving home to earn a substantial amount of money within six months, leading Gordon on an unexpected and challenging journey. At the start of the book, tension simmers between Gordon and his father as they confront his irresponsible behavior and the consequences of his lavish lifestyle. The conversation reveals their deep bond, marked by affection and high expectations. After some heated exchanges, Gordon reluctantly accepts a challenge from his father: to earn $100,000 in twelve months, which he boldly negotiates to six months with a stake of just $5,000. This crucial setup sets him on a path filled with uncertainty as he embarks on a journey to Snake's Fall, where he hopes to find fortune amid the rough and tumble existence of frontier life. The narrative unfolds amidst themes of self-discovery, the struggles of young adulthood, and the stark contrast between privilege and the harsh realities of the world.
Horatio Alger
The Erie Train Boy
"The Erie Train Boy" by Horatio Alger Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around young Fred Fenton, who works as a train boy on the Erie road, navigating the challenges and adventures of city life while supporting his struggling family. The plot highlights themes of innocence, social class, and the quest for personal integrity in a world rife with deception. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Joshua Bascom, a naive farmer's son visiting New York City for the first time, who becomes the victim of a pickpocket, Ferdinand Morris, losing his wallet. Meanwhile, young Fred Fenton, the train boy, shows his resourcefulness by helping Joshua navigate the unfamiliar city. They encounter various characters, including a jeweler and a suspicious "fancy man," who add layers of intrigue to the narrative. The opening sets the stage for intersecting lives, depicting the dangers of urban life while hinting at Fred's growing maturity and the unlikely friendships that may blossom amidst chaos.
Recently surfaced classics