My Life in Many States and in Foreign Lands, Dictated in My Seventy-Fourth Year (ePub)

George Francis Train was an American entrepreneur, financier, and eccentric figure of the 19th century. Born in 1829, he is perhaps best remembered for his ventures in the shipping industry and his role in the development of the Union Pacific Railroad during the expansive period of American Continental railroad construction. However, beyond his conspicuous involvement in commerce and industry, Train also harbored a deeply individualistic philosophy, which he conveyed through his writings. His book, 'My Life in Many States and in Foreign Lands, Dictated in My Seventy-Fourth Year,' offers a firsthand account of his dynamic life and serves as a testament to his diverse experiences, capturing his encounters across various continents and social strata. A true representation of his literary style, the work intertwines the narrative of self-made success with eclectic worldviews, reflective of Train's idiosyncratic demeanor. His prose is often considered a window into the soul of the American dream and entrepreneurial spirit, albeit tinted with the uncommon quirks of its author. Train's narrative not only charts the physical journeys he undertook but also delves into the philosophical and societal insights he garnered throughout his adventures, offering readers a unique perspective on the spirit of the age during which he thrived.