Harry Bedwell
In railroad slang, a “boomer” is a railroad man who drifts from railroad to railroad. The hero of this 1936 novel, Eddie Sand, is a boomer telegrapher. He’s dedicated to what he calls the “careless road”, and values his freedom above all. Like many a fictional cowboy hero, he shows up, does a job, solves a problem – often outwitting a boss in the process – and moves on. Because of his competence he’s assured of another job down the line. He might be tempted by a woman’s charms to settle down and become a “homeguard”, but he never succumbs.
“The Boomer” is a great period novel, full of the attitudes, technology, and lingo of early 20th century railroading.