Steam fiction

[Spuddy]

Anyone know of fiction set in Victorian era? I did come across a novel ages ago telling a tale of a military expedition up a South American river, very good it were but recent searches just come up with post 1914 stuff or steam punk fantasy

 

[Poignard]

"Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad

 

[Spuddy]

Ta, forgot that. "The horror" wasn't it?

 

[Poignard]

Yes, "the horror".

Conrad's "Typhoon" is also set on a steamship; and there's a short story of his set in the East Indies where the main character captains a steamship.

You might enjoy "The Sea and the Jungle" by H.M. Tomlinson. http://www.nupress.northwestern.edu/content/sea-and-jungle

It's a factual account, and post-Victorian, but I enjoyed it so much I read it twice.

 

[Prasutigus]

Have a look at the British author John Masters, who was an army officer in India and Burma (a Ghurka regiment ) and saw extremely hardcore frontline combat in WW2, amongst other exploits, which are described in his memoirs.
He has written several novels, with fictional characters but of great historical accuracy, which you might enjoy.
He writes properly, and is a wonderful storyteller.
Out of fashion, so available on Amazon for one new pee.

 

[Prasutigus]

Conrad's 'Chance'.

 

[Spuddy]

And I'd overlooked Philip McCutcheon as in https://www.amazon.co.uk/Second-Mat...d=1523448714&sr=1-2&keywords=philip+mccutchan
Read the first one a while ago which was about apprenticeship in sail. This one is about his switch to steam. Enjoyed that as well.