Whispering Smith - Spearman, Frank H.
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There were two Whispering Smiths, one the fictional railroad detective in Frank Hamilton Spearman¿s novel, and the other a historic westerner whose real name was James L. Smith. The fictional character was the hero in this best-selling novel of 1906, and the book¿s popularity made it the prototype for Western fiction. Spearman became fascinated by railroad lore through his contacts with the Union Pacific while a Nebraska banker. He had previously authored several stories with railroad plots and by 1904 had his ¿Strategy of Great Railroads¿ adopted as a textbook at Yale University. Determined…mehr

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Produktbeschreibung
There were two Whispering Smiths, one the fictional railroad detective in Frank Hamilton Spearman¿s novel, and the other a historic westerner whose real name was James L. Smith. The fictional character was the hero in this best-selling novel of 1906, and the book¿s popularity made it the prototype for Western fiction. Spearman became fascinated by railroad lore through his contacts with the Union Pacific while a Nebraska banker. He had previously authored several stories with railroad plots and by 1904 had his ¿Strategy of Great Railroads¿ adopted as a textbook at Yale University. Determined to write about railroad detectives Spearman visited Cheyenne, Wyoming, to interview two of the most famous, Timothy Keliher and Joe LeFors. Based on their stories and with a fascination for the nickname Whispering Smith, Spearman crafted his exciting novel. His heroic character was a composite of Keliher and LeFors and the adventures found in the novel had their source in the stories of these two railroad detectives. Hollywood pounced on the long term success of the novel and its colorful title. Filming rights were obtained as early as 1916 and more than five motion pictures were made plus a television series in 1961. The most famous production was filmed in 1948. Alan Ladd starred in this Technicolor film and credited it with launching his career. Frank Hamilton Spearman continued to write but none of his subsequent novels achieved the success of ¿Whispering Smith.¿ His later years were spent in Hollywood where he turned to writing screenplays. It will never be known if Spearman had any knowledge about James L. Smith, known as ¿Whispering Smith¿ in the West, nor is it known if that westerner knew of Spearman¿s novel although he was still alive when it was published. The true story of James L. Smith is recounted in ¿Whispering Smith: His Life and Misadventures¿ by Allen P. Bristow from Sunstone Press.
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Autorenporträt
Frank Hamilton Spearman (September 6, 1859 – December 29, 1937) was an American author known for his captivating tales of the American West, particularly those set against the backdrop of the railroads. One of his most recognized works is 'Whispering Smith' (1906), a novel that intertwines the worlds of western outlaws and railroad detectives, making Spearman a noteworthy figure in early 20th-century American literature. His westerns often provided a nuanced perspective on the frontier ethos and the industrial progress symbolized by the railroad. Spearman's narratives were celebrated for their swift action, moral gravitas, and authenticity, attributed to his thorough research and genuine admiration for the railroaders who were the unsung heroes of America's Westward expansion. 'Whispering Smith' became so popular that it was adapted into several films and television series, cementing Spearman's legacy as a western fiction author. Literary scholars recognize Spearman's work for its realism and detailed portrayal of railway life, which was a novelty at that time (Witschi, N.S., 2001). Drawing upon his banking background, his novels were also marked by their depiction of financial strifes and the importance of law in burgeoning communities. Spearman's literary style amalgamates regionalist tendencies with the melodramatic thrills of popular literature, making his works both significant cultural artifacts and engaging reads.