draws from Stevenson’s personal experiences, he skillfully enriches the narrative with other travelers’ perspectives, painting a diverse portrait of those who embarked westward by rail. Diaries, a hallmark of Murphy’s historical repertoire, make their usual appearance. However,Across America on an Emigrant Train leans more heavily on literary accounts, such as Stevenson’s Across the Plains (1892), than on his previous works like The Boys' War and The Great Fire.

The Human Element

Murphy’s writings consistently celebrate the significance of the individual, regardless of their societal standing. Stevenson’s Across the Plains echoes this sentiment, offering vivid portraits of the varied individuals he encounters, many of whom forge connections with him. This intimate approach immerses readers in the journey; it feels as if one is traveling alongside Stevenson, amidst a colorful cast of fellow passengers whose lives animate the narrative. In Across America on an Emigrant Train, the bustling human presence is palpable, with each person’s story carrying weight—true value lies in the impact of the journey on their wellbeing. For both Murphy and Stevenson, the narrative is underscored by a deep concern for human dignity. For example, Stevenson is aghast at the uncouth conduct of white passengers upon encountering a Native American family at a station. Both Stevenson and Murphy portray Native Americans as individuals deserving of respect, while lamenting the narrow-minded view of some fellow travelers who see only tired stereotypes.

In Across America on an Emigrant Train, Murphy delves deeply into the treatment of Native Americans as the railroad carved through their sacred homelands. He highlights a multitude of instances showcasing how they were depicted in the so-called authentic travel narratives of the 1870s. Many of these accounts, penned by individuals who never ventured westward, concocted fantastical portrayals of Native Americans. They were often painted as primal savages or ignorant brutes, seemingly destined to vanish beneath the march of progress. Alarmingly, a number of authors appeared to anticipate their extinction with a certain eagerness.

Stevenson's Perspective

Among these voices was the fiercely independent Stevenson, whose dedication to original thought had been nurtured through varied interactions with people from all walks of life. As his journey brought him face-to-face with Native Americans, he reflected, "The eviction of the [tribes], the ill-faith of all, nay, down to the ridicule of such poor beings [by those] here with me upon the train, make up a chapter of injustice and indignity such as a man must be . . . base if his heart will suffer him to pardon or forget." Stevenson's words capture a profound sense of empathy and deep-seated outrage.

Murphy's Commentary

Murphy elaborates on Stevenson’s observations, noting how the United States, a nation celebrated for its liberties, was rife with discrimination against Native Americans, Chinese, African Americans, and many emigrants sharing the journey. Stevenson's own experiences bore witness to this bias, as he faced suspicion simply due to his pronounced Scottish brogue. This prejudice was one of many hurdles that emigrants confronted in pursuit of the good life in America. Yet, Stevenson resisted such narrow-mindedness, concentrating instead on the individuals he met. Their intelligence, sophistication, and bravery shattered the bigoted stereotypes, revealing a tapestry of migrants whose unique passions and dreams far outweighed their societal rank.

Murphy's Early Works

Murphy's fascination with history sparkled through the pages of his early literary contributions, such as the quirky Weird and Wacky Inventions (1978), the legendary lineup in Baseball's All-Time Stars (1984), and the adventurous The Custom Car Book (1985). However, the 1990s marked a transformative era in his career, as he embarked on creating intricate, richly illustrated historical narratives that propelled him to widespread acclaim. His groundbreaking work, The Boys' War: Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk about the Civil War (1990), skillfully blends firsthand accounts from historical participants with Murphy's insightful contextual narrative. This hallmark style not only shines in Across America on an Emigrant Train but is also evident in his other masterpieces such as The Long Road to Gettysburg (1992), The Great Fire (1995), A Young Patriot: The American Revolution as Experienced by One Boy (1996), and Gone a-Whaling: The Lure of the Sea and the Hunt for the Great Whale (1998).

Biographical Narratives and Immersive Histories

In A Young Patriot, Murphy crafts a biography that employs the vivid real-life experiences of historical figures to shed light on pivotal moments in America's past. While Across America on an Emigrant Train centers around the illustrious Robert Louis Stevenson, A Young Patriot offers a glimpse into the life of an obscure teenager, who documented his service in the Revolutionary War. Meanwhile, The Great Fire and The Long Road to Gettysburg delve into singular, monumental events, brimming with diverse eyewitness accounts that bestow upon readers the visceral sensation of witnessing history unfold firsthand.

Fader, Ellen. In the pages of Horn Book Magazine 70, 2 (March-April 1994): 220-21, Ellen Fader delivers a resounding tribute to Across America on an Emigrant Train, showering it with enthusiastic praise.

Hile, Kevin S., and Telgen, Diane. In their tome Something about the Author, Volume 77, Detroit: Gale Research, 1994, Kevin S. Hile and Diane Telgen offer a concise yet enlightening summary of Jim Murphy's illustrious career, complemented by a selection of photographs. This volume also features a reprint of the insightful interview from Contemporary Authors, Volume 111 (see below).

Leslie, Mrs. Frank. With California: A Pleasure Trip from Gotham to the Golden Gate, New York: Frank Leslie, 1877, Mrs. Frank Leslie provides a captivating contrast to Stevenson’s tales by unveiling how the affluent embarked on their westward rail adventures.

Lester, John E. In The Atlantic to the Pacific: What to See, and How to See It, Boston: Sheperd and Gill, 1873, John E. Lester pens an unreliable guidebook that receives a mention by Murphy, adding layers to the historical narrative.

Marton, Diane S. Diane S. Marton in the School Library Journal 39, 12 (December 1993): 129-30, offers a compelling endorsement of Across America on an Emigrant Train, strongly recommending this work to readers.

"Murphy, Jim." Featured in Contemporary Authors, Volume 111, edited by Hal May et al., Detroit: Gale Research, 1984. This entry encapsulates a thorough overview of Murphy's career up to 1984, including a succinct yet revealing interview.

Rochman, Hazel. In Booklist 90 (December 1, 1993): 689, Hazel Rochman offers high praise for Across America on an Emigrant Train, lauding its narrative depth and engaging storytelling.

Stevenson, Robert Louis. Published by London: Chatto and Windus, 1892, Robert Louis Stevenson’s engaging journey, Across the Plains, served as a muse for Murphy’s Across America on an Emigrant Train, inspiring his captivating retelling.