Calumet "K
Calumet 'K' is a psychological fiction novel by Samuel Merwin, written in the early 20th century. The story follows Charlie Bannon, who is tasked with overseeing the construction of a large grain elevator, facing numerous challenges such as labor disputes, material shortages, and management issues. The book explores themes of industry, leadership, and labor relations, highlighting the complexities of engineering projects and the human elements involved. It provides a detailed look at the tensions and conflicts that arise in an industrial setting.
Editions
X-Ray
“No use,” he said. “You see, these fellows don’t know much. They aren’t like skilled laborers who need to be sharp to do their jobs. They’re just common workers, and most of them have gunpowder instead of brains. They don’t want facts or reason; what they like is Grady’s oratory. They think it’s the finest thing they have ever heard. They might all be perfectly satisfied and eager to work, but if Grady asked them if they wanted to be slaves, they’d all go on strike as fast as a freight train rolling downhill.””
— Samuel Merwin
“There was no formal assumption of authority; Bannon's supremacy was established simply by the obvious fact that he was the man who knew how. Systematizing the confusion in one corner, showing another gang how to save handling a big stick twice, finally putting a runway across the drillage of the annex, and doing a hundred little things between times, he made himself master.””
— Samuel Merwin
