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Here is a list of the books I've had published. Those marked like this (*) are out of print. Use the contact link if you'd like to order an autographed copy of any of the books still in print. The list is in chronological order.
Lisa's Way (2008): My second SF novel. Teenager Lisa Herbert lives in the small town of Mountain View on the planet Fairfield. The "Savage Rain" decades earlier shut down the hyperspace gate and isolated her world. A casual remark from her sister gets Lisa to ask a simple question: “If life was better before the ‘Savage Rain,’ why couldn’t it be better again?” That question starts Lisa on a journey to three worlds to improve lives, relying on brains, compassion, and a little sneakiness to solve the problems she faces.
Expert Assistance (2007): This is my first SF novel! Spacer Jake Bonner will lose his hot spaceship if he doesn’t get a good-paying job. He’s approached by a couple to help them overthrow their planet’s tyrannical ruler, and asked to be a glorified chauffeur to pop star Evangelyne “Evvie” Martini. Evvie finds out about Jake's other job, invites herself to the revolution, and hilarity ensues.
Here's a link to a review of Expert Assistance!
Jim Lane - Scoundrel, Statesman, Kansan: Senator James H. Lane was a key leader in the Free-State movement during "Bleeding Kansas." He was one of the state's first two Senators, a close ally and friend of Abraham Lincoln, and survived the Lawrence Massacre of 1863.
The Race to Indian Territory (2005)*: This self-published book covered the race between three railroads in eastern Kansas in 1869-70. It covers the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf; the Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston; and the Missouri, Kansas & Texas. The three lines competed to be the first to the southern border of Kansas, for the first would be the only line allowed to enter Texas through the Indian Territory. There are copies still around, but I'm allowing the book to go out of print for now.
General James G. Blunt - Tarnished Glory (2005): This is a biography of James Blunt, Kansas' highest ranking & most important Civil War General. It includes information on his life before he came to Kansas, his work during "Bleeding Kansas," his battles during the war, the controversies around his reputation, and what happened to Blunt after the war.
Kansas Railroad Attractions
(2004): An
update of "The Railfan's Guide..." with new listings of
railroad things to see & do in Kansas. It includes
museums,
excursion trains, depots converted into restaurants & shops, rail
trails,
& other places of interest.
The Border Tier Road (2003): A history of the line best known as the Frisco line south from Kansas City to Baxter Springs. It covers the creation of the original company, through ownership by the Frisco (St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad) up to the present (Burlington Northern Santa Fe).
Arkansas Valley Interurban - The Electric Way (1999): A history of the AVI, an interurban trolley line that once connected Wichita, Newton, & Hutchison. Contains maps, new photos, new information, & an equipment list.
Kansas Pacific - An Illustrated History (1998)*: A history of the first railroad to be built across Kansas. The KP was the railroad that the cattle driven up to Abilene were headed for. Now that it's out of print, I hope to start work on a new, more in-depth history of the KP.
Ghost Railroads of Kansas (1997)*: Has brief histories of all the railroads that operated in Kansas from 1860 to 1996; contains many historic photographs & maps. If you can find a copy, it's pretty expensive.
A Railfan's Guide to Kansas Attractions (1996)*: Contains railroad things to see & do in Kansas.
All
content by Robert Collins
Copyright 2007-08