Zone Policeman 88; a close range study of the Panama canal and its workers

"Zone Policeman 88: A Close Range Study of the Panama Canal and Its Workers" by Harry A. Franck is a detailed historical account written during the early 20th century, exploring the construction of the Panama Canal and the lives of its diverse workers. The narrative offers a close-up view of the societal dynamics within the Canal Zone, the challenges faced by the workforce, and the unique blend of cultures present in the area during this monumental engineering project. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the protagonist, who seeks employment as a policemen in the Canal Zone. Through a conversation with "the Captain" at police headquarters, we learn about the protagonist's lack of military experience but advantageous language skills, which seem to pique the Captain's interest. As he navigates the bureaucracy and prepares for an assignment in the census department, the protagonist contemplates his desire to dig the canal rather than serve as a police officer. The initial chapters focus on his interactions with various police officials and the unique atmosphere within the Canal Zone, setting the stage for a broader exploration of the workers’ experiences in the context of the canal's construction.