Subject
Avarice -- Fiction Books
Best books
Frank Norris
McTeague: A Story of San Francisco
"McTeague: A Story of San Francisco" by Frank Norris is a novel published in 1899. It follows a San Francisco dentist and his wife as their marriage disintegrates into violence and tragedy, driven by jealousy, greed, and obsession with money. When McTeague loses his dental practice through betrayal, the couple descends into poverty while his wife's miserly hoarding intensifies. Their story builds toward a devastating climax in the desolate wasteland of Death Valley, where past grievances and stolen gold lead to a final, haunting confrontation.
Charles Dickens
Martin Chuzzlewit
"Martin Chuzzlewit" by Charles Dickens is a novel serialized between 1843 and 1844. This satirical tale explores selfishness through the quarrelsome Chuzzlewit family. When young Martin clashes with his wealthy grandfather over love, he's cast out and apprenticed to the scheming architect Pecksniff. As family members maneuver for inheritance, villains emerge and a journey to America unfolds. Featuring memorable characters like the hypocritical Pecksniff and the notorious Mrs. Gamp, this picaresque adventure weaves deception, romance, and dark schemes into Dickens's sharp social commentary.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Wrecker
"The Wrecker" by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne is an adventure novel written in 1892. The story centers on the mysterious abandoned wreck of the Flying Scud at Midway Atoll. Clues hidden in a stamp collection lead to tracking down the missing crew and unraveling what happened. This sprawling South Sea tale combines episodic adventure, comedy, and detective mystery elements that only connect in the final chapter. The loosely woven narrative reflects its collaborative creation, with each author contributing different sections.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Wrong Box
"The Wrong Box" by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne is a black comedy novel published in 1889. Two elderly brothers are the last survivors of a tontine—a financial scheme where the final survivor claims everything. When one brother appears to have died in a train crash, his nephews desperately attempt to conceal a body to protect their inheritance. Meanwhile, a corpse gets shipped in the wrong container, triggering a farcical chain of mistaken identities and panicked cover-ups as multiple characters scramble to dispose of evidence they fear will implicate them in murder.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 13
"The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 13" by Stevenson et al. is a collection of literary works likely compiled in the early 20th century. This volume includes "The Wrecker," a collaborative story between Stevenson and his stepson Lloyd Osbourne, which unfolds in the exotic Marquesas Islands and hints at themes of adventure and human relationships set against the backdrop of the oceanic landscape. The opening of "The Wrecker" begins with a vivid description of Tai-o-hae, the French capital of the Marquesas Islands, setting a serene yet tumultuous atmosphere with strong winds and crashing surf. As characters react to the arrival of a mysterious schooner, the scene illustrates a mix of colonial intrigue and local life. The protagonist, the tattooed white man sitting on the pier, reflects on his past and the rich tapestry of his memories, connecting with the other figures around him as they speculate about the ship's origins. This prologue establishes the narrative's tone, filled with a sense of waiting and the unpredictability of life on the islands.
Terry Southern
The Magic Christian
"The Magic Christian" by Terry Southern is a comic novel published in 1959. It follows Guy Grand, an eccentric billionaire who devotes his fortune to staging elaborate practical jokes designed to prove one cynical theory: everyone has their price. From disrupting live television to contaminating luxury products to building walls around piles of money mixed with filth, Grand orchestrates increasingly outrageous schemes that test the limits of human dignity and greed. His ultimate prank unfolds aboard a luxury liner reserved exclusively for the super-rich.
Jules Verne
Facing the Flag
"Facing the Flag" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1896. A brilliant French inventor creates the Fulgurator, a devastating super-weapon capable of destroying ships without direct impact. When governments reject his invention, he descends into madness and paranoia. A notorious pirate kidnaps him to a hidden island base, forcing him to build the weapon while a French spy works desperately to stop the catastrophe. As naval powers close in, the inventor must choose between patriotism and revenge in this tale of technological terror and national loyalty.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Vrakets hemmelighet
"Vrakets hemmelighet" by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne is an adventure novel written in 1892. This sprawling tale centers on an abandoned ship wreck at Midway Atoll, weaving together comedy, detective mystery, and high-seas adventure. When clues hidden in a stamp collection emerge, the search begins to track down the missing crew and uncover what really happened to the Flying Scud. Only in the final chapter do the scattered story elements come together to solve the puzzle.
J.-K. (Joris-Karl) Huysmans
Un dilemme
"Un dilemme" by J.-K. Huysmans is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the complex dynamics of inheritance and social relationships following the death of a young man named Jules, particularly focusing on the legal and moral implications surrounding his mistress, Sophie. The book delves into themes of class, gender, and the often harsh realities faced by women in society. The opening of the novel introduces the characters M. Lambois and Maître Le Ponsart, discussing the fate of Jules' estate after his death. They explore the legal ramifications of Jules' relationships, particularly concerning Sophie, who claims to be pregnant. The notary, Le Ponsart, plans to deal with her without acknowledgment of any emotional or financial obligation, revealing his pragmatic yet cold approach to the situation. This sets the stage for the ensuing conflict as Sophie confronts the harsh realities of her situation and the societal expectations placed upon her. The intricate dialogues and character interactions highlight the tension between moral righteousness and personal gain, a central theme in the narrative.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Le mort vivant
"Le Mort Vivant" by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the Finsbury family, particularly focusing on Joseph and Masterman Finsbury, who are caught up in a tontine scheme. As the narrative unfolds, elements of dark humor, absurdity, and familial dynamics are explored, setting the stage for a rather unconventional tale. The opening of the novel introduces Joseph Finsbury, a rather eccentric character devoted to giving lectures, who has also become the guardian to his late brother's children. The story hints at a financial crisis stemming from a tontine—a financial arrangement in which participants contribute money and the last surviving member gains the entire sum. As Joseph deals with the mundanities of life, the tone mixes light satire with poignant reflections on the human condition. The dynamics within the Finsbury family, especially the tensions between Joseph and his more responsible brother, Masterman, are also established, laying the groundwork for the unfolding drama and comedy that blends elements of mortality, greed, and eccentricity.
Jules Verne
Face au drapeau
"Face au drapeau" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1896. A brilliant French inventor creates a devastatingly powerful explosive weapon, but his excessive demands drive governments to reject him. Descending into madness, he's institutionalized—until a mysterious count kidnaps him to a secret island base. There, the inventor must decide whether to surrender his world-changing secret, even if it means betraying his own country. The novel reflects Verne's growing anxiety about technological progress and destructive weaponry.
Eugène Sue
A Cardinal Sin
"A Cardinal Sin" by Eugène Sue is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Mariette, a young girl facing poverty and hardship as she tries to care for her ailing godmother while dreaming of a life filled with love and happiness. The narrative highlights themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggles of the lower class in society. The opening portion introduces Mariette as she visits a public scribe to have a letter written to her beloved, Louis. Through their interaction, we learn of her life’s burdens, including her responsibilities towards her sick godmother and her longing for a better future. As Mariette dictates her heartfelt letter, she reveals her devotion and emotional turmoil, setting the stage for the complex interplay of love, social struggles, and sacrifice that will likely unfold in the novel. A parallel story emerges through the scribe’s furtive glances and apprehensions, hinting at deeper connections and potential conflicts as Mariette's love story develops amidst societal challenges.
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