The Iron Horse
1871
The Iron Horse, published in 1871 by R. M. Ballantyne, is a biographical fiction that follows the life of John Marrot, an engine-driver on the Grand National Trunk Railway. The narrative humorously portrays the challenges faced by Marrot's family as they adapt to the disruptions caused by passing trains, highlighting themes of family dynamics and the working-class experience during the industrialization era. The story also introduces various characters connected to the railway, setting the stage for interconnected lives amid the backdrop of the burgeoning railway industry.
