A Flight in Spring In the car Lucania from New York to the Pacific coast and back, during April and May, 1898

"A Flight in Spring" by J. Harris Knowles is an account of a luxurious spring trip across America by train in 1898. The story follows the author and his companions as they travel from New York to the Pacific Coast and back, aboard a private Pullman car named the "Lucania". The author vividly shows the landscapes, cities, and cultures they experienced while also feeling the distant worry of the Spanish-American War. From the start, the book creates a mood of excitement among those traveling together, highlighting the comforts of the private railcar, the fun of getting ready for the trip, and the friendships among the travelers, including times of fun entertainment and fancy meals made by a very good cook. Knowles' writing offers a look into American life in the late 1800s, the beauty of the country, and the many cultures seen as the group visited important American cities.