The Steam Man of the Prairies

By: Edward S. Ellis

Narrated by: Arthur Vincet

"The Steam Man of the Prairies" by Edward S. Ellis was the first U.S science fiction dime novel and an archetype of the "Frank Reade" series. It is one of the earliest examples of the so-called "Edisonade" genre. The novel starts with Ethan Hopkins and Mickey McSquizzle-a "Yankee" and an "Irishman"-encountering a colossal, steam-powered man in the American prairies. This steam-man was constructed by Johnny Brainerd, a teenage boy, who uses the steam-man to carry him in a carriage on various adventures.©2017 Audioliterature (P)2017 Audioliterature

A wonderful time capsule of a story!

I first learned of this book watching “Jay Leno‘s garage.” I was intrigued and very glad to find the audiobook on Audible. It is a quaint story at times, but it is also very riveting at its climax.

I enjoyed the cast of characters, and their different motivations, and the at times strange turns a phrase that they employed while on there surprising journey with the steam man.

Perhaps not surprisingly, female voices were lacking, and the portrayal of Native Americans left much to be desired. But even so, I was able to enjoy the story and except this artifact for what it was and hold it in its historical context.

I would recommend this story to anyone with an appreciation of history and the love of adventure.