Peter Binney: A Novel

by Archibald Marshall

"Peter Binney: A Novel" by Archibald Marshall is a fiction work written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the life of Peter Binney, a successful poultry food manufacturer who, at the age of forty-five, decides to pursue an undergraduate education at Cambridge, much to the bemusement of his son, Lucius. The story delves into themes of ambition, familial relationships, and the clash between youthful aspirations and adult responsibilities. At the start of the novel, Peter Binney resolves to make a life-changing decision while riding home on an omnibus after a long day of work. As he prepares to propose a romantic relationship to an old acquaintance, Mrs. Higginbotham, he also commits to accompanying his son to Cambridge when Lucius begins his studies there. The opening chapters introduce Peter's quirky character and his ambition to relive his youth through education, as well as Lucius's growing concerns about the social implications of his father's late-life academic pursuit. The dynamic between Peter and Lucius establishes a humorous tension as they navigate the complexities of their relationship in the backdrop of a prestigious university.