Irish Gandy Dancer: A tale of building the Transcontinental Railroad

by Ryan Collins

Overview

John McGlinchey, a young Irish transplant from County Donegal finds little opportunity in South Philadelphia during Reconstruction era America. His war time savings nearly depleted, he is determined to find work and joins hundreds of his countrymen in one of the greatest engineering quests of the time, building the Trans-Continental Railroad. McGlinchey provides a first person narrative of the events he encounters that overturn many of his contemporary views of race and religion while at the same time providing an unvarnished view of people great and small that shaped this grand endeavor.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940013888470
Publisher:	Ryan Michael Collins
Publication date:	05/03/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	198
File size:	120 KB

About the Author

Ryan M. Collins has collected a wide array of tales regarding the great public works of the late nineteenth century. Fusing the experiences of his travels throughout the Western United States, training as a teacher and experience as a journalist, Collins leads the reader through a first person narrative of young Irish lads moving westward in a search for adventure and better life. Collins is a writing teacher and holds advanced degrees in education and public administration. He makes his home in Southeastern Arizona.

Editorial Reviews

I could not put this book down! This is a fascinating account of life during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. It was action packed and very insightful, as it expressed the feelings and attitudes of the 1860s through the eyes of an Irish immigrant. As a school librarian, I would recommend this book for all high school libraries and anyone who loves to read about American history!

Rainey Scrocco