Anthony Trollope
The Struggles of Brown, Jones, and Robinson
By One of the Firm
"The Struggles of Brown, Jones, and Robinson" by Anthony Trollope is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a trio of partners in a haberdashery business, primarily focusing on their attempts to navigate the complexities and challenges of commerce. The narrative presents the dynamics between the main characters—Mr. Brown, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Robinson—alongside their relationships with family members and others involved in their business affairs, exposing the interplay of personal ambitions and corporate struggles. The opening of the book introduces the characters and sets the stage for their forthcoming endeavors in trade. Mr. Robinson, the narrator and a member of the firm, expresses his ambition and belief in the primacy of advertising as the key to commercial success, outlining his disdain for the traditional practices held by his older partners. The early history of Mr. Brown and Mr. Jones is explored, revealing their respective backgrounds and the personal conflicts that will influence their partnership amidst the fledgling business. Amidst light satire, the stage is set for their opening day, which promises to be a mixture of hope and chaos, emphasizing both the ambition and folly inherent in the world of business.