Stephen Auslender’s Steam-Era Comedy Novel Embarks on Global Exhibit Tour

Stephen Auslender spent most of his career in the fields of mechanical and industrial design. However, he has also held a passion for more creative pursuits. One of the ways he has decided to bring them together is his first novel, “The Streamlined Locomotive.” This book is currently touring in a number of book exhibits around the world. Meanwhile, reviewers are now noting its deliberately comic take on steam-era playboys.

San Diego, CA – WEBWIRE – Saturday, September 9, 2023

“For generations, the Bezelbottoms have elevated the most ambitious, ruthless and determined characters in their clan to serve as their head… and then, there was Theo.”

Based on his work experience, one might find it hard to imagine that Stephen Lloyd Auslender is a novelist. For over 50 years, he has studied and worked in the fields of both mechanical and industrial design. His more creative passions seem to be focused on sculpture (which he also taught in his long career).

However, he puts both his creativity and technical expertise on display in his novel “The Streamlined Locomotive.” Throughout this year, he’s arranged to have this novel exhibited at a number of major book fairs around the world. Visitors who have had the chance to read it will see not only Auslender’s extensive knowledge about the Industrial Revolution but also a determination to satirize its worst actors.

Its story focuses on Theopolis P. Bezelbottom, Theo for short, a lazy, self-entitled heir to the unscrupulous Bezelbottom clan. The Bezelbottoms have built a reputation as robber barons of the thriving steam industry, but Theo had so far lived off the fat of their ruthless exploits without lifting a finger.

That is, one day, when the two opposing uncles overseeing their clan have finally charged him with the weight of taking over the family business. And should he fail, he’ll be shipped off to the first frontline as America prepares to enter WWII.

Kirkus Reviews describes the novel as “… an absurdist farce, and there are some humorous developments (Theo’s uncle, Aloysius, an incompetent dreamer, abruptly decides he wants to develop a new streamlined passenger locomotive, which seems a quixotic undertaking in 1941 just as the nation prepares to enter the war).”

For regular book fair goers, Stephen Lloyd Auslender’s “The Streamlined Locomotive” can prove to be a very funny read should they ever encounter it. Get a copy on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

“The Streamlined Locomotive”
Author | Stephen Lloyd Auslender
Published date | Aug. 10, 2020
Publisher | PAGE PUBLISHING, Inc.
Genre |Fiction

Author Bio
Stephen Lloyd Auslender first earned a B.S. degree in Industrial design before moving on to express his surrealist visions in sculpture, where he then earned an M.F.A degree. He also holds doctorate in Creative Arts. Over the past 50 years, he has taught and worked in Mechanical Design and in Sculpture. His view of life is a combination of comedy and tragedy. Today, he has retired from the Mechanical Design and Educational fields and now pursues sculpting and writing.