Subject
Speculation -- Fiction Books
Best books
Mark Twain
The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today
"The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today" by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner is a satirical novel published in 1873. It follows a poor rural family's attempts to strike it rich by selling their vast Tennessee land, while their adopted daughter Laura becomes a Washington lobbyist seeking congressional support. Meanwhile, two young men pursue fortune through land speculation. The novel skewers the greed, materialism, and political corruption of post-Civil War America—so effectively that it named an entire era of American history.
Hector Malot
Baccara
"Baccara" by Hector Malot is a novel written during the late 19th century, specifically published in 1886. The story centers on the Adeline family, particularly Constant Adeline, who is the heir to a long-standing fabric manufacturing business in Elbeuf. It explores the dynamics of family, business, and changing societal values as they navigate the complexities of industry and personal relationships. The beginning of the novel introduces the setting of Elbeuf, particularly focusing on the significance of the Puchot River in the industrial evolution of the town. Readers are introduced to the history of the Adeline family, who have built their fortune on traditional craftsmanship in the fabric industry. Constant Adeline emerges as a respected figure, working diligently in both business and politics. However, the text hints at underlying tensions; Constant’s brother, Jean, has pursued a different path, leading to financial troubles tied to a crisis in the fabric market. The opening portrays a rich tapestry of familial bonds and societal expectations, setting the stage for the challenges the family will face as they strive to maintain their legacy amid shifting economic landscapes.
David Graham Phillips
The Deluge
"The Deluge" by David Graham Phillips is a novel written during the early 20th century, exploring themes of ambition, finance, and societal class structures. The story centers around Matthew Blacklock, a determined man who rises through the ranks of high finance against the backdrop of a struggling American society dominated by wealthy elites. The opening of the book introduces Matthew Blacklock's character, his self-assertive nature, and his ambitions in the financial world. He reflects on his past, acknowledging his humble beginnings and asserting that he has built his reputation through individual effort and assertiveness. As the narrative unfolds, we see his interactions with other influential figures in finance, illustrating the cutthroat nature of this domain. Notably, he expresses a desire to elevate his status within society by aligning with the more "respectable" circles, showcasing his aspirations and the obstacles he faces in achieving them. The opening sets the stage for a tale that promises a blend of personal ambition, romance, and the moral complexities of wealth and power.
Upton Sinclair
The Moneychangers
"The Moneychangers" by Upton Sinclair is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young widow, Lucy Dupree, who returns to New York City after years in New Orleans, where she married and lost a husband. The narrative introduces several key characters, including Allan Montague, a man with a deep history with Lucy, who now finds himself drawn to her amidst the complexities of society and its demands. The book delves into themes of wealth, ambition, and the moral compromises individuals make within the capitalist framework of early 1900s America. The beginning of "The Moneychangers" introduces readers to the anticipation surrounding Lucy Dupree's return to New York and hints at her complicated past and relationships. Reggie Mann and Allan Montague discuss Lucy, expressing eagerness and nostalgia. As Lucy reconnects with Allan, the text discusses her innocence and excitement about New York, juxtaposing it with Allan's more seasoned perspective of city life. The opening chapters also suggest a looming sense of tragedy, as Allan grapples with his feelings for Lucy, reflecting on the losses in both their lives and setting the stage for social dynamics that will unfold in the narrative, especially concerning Lucy's interactions with powerful men like Dan Waterman.
Mark Twain
The Gilded Age, Part 7.
"The Gilded Age, Part 7" by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner is a satirical novel published in 1873. It exposes greed and corruption in post-Civil War America through intertwined stories of families chasing wealth through land speculation. A poor rural family attempts to sell their vast Tennessee acreage, while their adopted daughter Laura becomes a Washington lobbyist. Meanwhile, two young men pursue fortune through land surveying. The novel satirizes political corruption and social pretensions, ultimately giving an entire era its name.
Mark Twain
The Gilded Age, Part 6.
"The Gilded Age, Part 6." by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner is a satirical novel first published in 1873. This collaborative work follows a poor rural family's attempts to gain wealth by selling their vast Tennessee landholdings. Their adopted daughter Laura becomes a Washington lobbyist, navigating a world of political corruption and social ambition. Meanwhile, two young men seek fortune through land speculation. The novel satirizes the greed, materialism, and political corruption of post-Civil War America—giving an entire era its enduring name.
Mark Twain
The Gilded Age, Part 2.
"The Gilded Age, Part 2." by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner is a satirical novel published in 1873. The story follows a poor rural family's attempts to sell their vast Tennessee landholdings, focusing on their adopted daughter Laura, who becomes a Washington lobbyist seeking congressional support. Meanwhile, two young men pursue land speculation fortunes. This collaboration between Twain and Warner satirizes the greed, political corruption, and social pretensions of post-Civil War America, giving an entire era its enduring name.
Robert Barr
The Speculations of John Steele
"The Speculations of John Steele" by Robert Barr is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around John Steele, a resourceful young man who finds himself navigating the challenges of working on the railway, beginning as a station-master and ultimately moving up to a more significant position within the railway system. Through a series of events, Steele's quick thinking and actions save a train from disaster, leading to an unexpected promotion that throws him into the complexities of corporate politics and intrigue. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to John Steele during a harrowing night at Hitchen’s Siding where he must avert a potential train collision. His initiative and decisive actions manage to sidetrack a freight train just in time to prevent a catastrophe. Following this narrow escape, he is transferred to the division superintendent's office in Warmington City. In this new role, he quickly becomes well-liked; however, he faces resistance from T. Acton Blair, the general manager, who disapproves of his informal and hasty manner. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for an exploration of both Steele's internal struggles with confidence and the external pressures of his superiors and coworkers, setting the stage for his ambitions and the obstacles he must overcome in his career.
Mark Twain
The Gilded Age, Part 5.
"The Gilded Age, Part 5" by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner is a satirical novel published in 1873. This collaboration exposes greed and political corruption in post-Civil War America through the story of a struggling rural family attempting to profit from a vast land inheritance. As the beautiful adopted daughter Laura navigates Washington society as a lobbyist, and ambitious young men pursue fortune through land speculation, the novel reveals how the thirst for wealth and power corrupts every level of society—ultimately giving this notorious era its enduring name.
Mark Twain
The Gilded Age, Part 1.
"The Gilded Age, Part 1." by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner is a satirical novel published in 1873. It follows a rural family's desperate attempts to strike it rich by selling their vast Tennessee landholdings in post-Civil War America. Their adopted daughter Laura becomes a Washington lobbyist, navigating a world of corrupt politicians and social climbers. Meanwhile, two young men pursue their own fortunes through land speculation. The novel satirizes the greed, materialism, and political corruption that would define an entire era of American history.
Mark Twain
The Gilded Age, Part 4.
"The Gilded Age, Part 4." by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner is a satirical novel first published in 1873. Set in post-Civil War America, this collaboration skewers greed and political corruption through the story of the Hawkins family's quest for wealth through land speculation. At the center is Laura Hawkins, who becomes a Washington lobbyist, and two young men seeking fortune through land investment. With memorable characters like the eternally optimistic Colonel Beriah Sellers, the novel exposes the moral decay beneath America's glittering surface—giving an entire era its lasting name.
Mark Twain
The Gilded Age, Part 3.
"The Gilded Age, Part 3." by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner is a satirical novel published in 1873. It follows a poor rural family's attempts to gain wealth by selling their vast land holdings, while their adopted daughter Laura becomes a Washington lobbyist seeking congressional support. A parallel story tracks two young men pursuing fortune through land speculation. The novel satirizes the greed, corruption, and social pretensions of post-Civil War America, ultimately giving this entire era of American history its enduring name.
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