"Biographies of Working Men" by Grant Allen is a collection of biographical sketches written during the late 19th century. The book features the inspiring stories of notable figures from the working class, such as Thomas Telford, George Stephenson, and others, illustrating their rise from humble beginnings to positions of great achievement and influence in society. It emphasizes themes of perseverance, labor, and the transformative power of education. The opening of the book presents the life of Thomas Telford, detailing his early hardships as the son of a shepherd in Scotland. Following the death of Telford's father, his mother must work diligently to support them both. From a young age, Telford shows an aptitude for learning, balancing work in the fields with education at the parish school. As he matures, his ambitions grow, leading him to pursue a career as a stonemason. The narrative sets the stage for his future achievements in engineering, encapsulating the foundational experiences and influences that would ultimately shape his illustrious career. Telford's story serves as a poignant example of how determination and education can elevate an individual from the working class to a figure of historical significance. (This is an automatically generated summary.)