Subject
Wall Street (New York, N.Y.) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Herman Melville
Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-Street
"Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-Street" by Herman Melville is a short story first published in 1853. A Wall Street lawyer hires a new copying clerk named Bartleby, who initially works diligently but soon begins refusing all tasks with the phrase "I would prefer not to." As Bartleby's passive resistance intensifies, the baffled narrator struggles to understand his enigmatic employee. This darkly compelling tale explores isolation, compassion, and the mystery of human behavior in an increasingly impersonal world.
Francis Hopkinson Smith
Peter: A Novel of Which He is Not the Hero
"Peter: A Novel of Which He is Not the Hero" by Francis Hopkinson Smith is a novel published in 1908. Set in late 19th-century New York City, the story centers on Peter Grayson, an aging banker of impeccable character who influences the younger generation around him, including a young man entering the financial world. Despite its title's playful disclaimer, Peter guides this portrait of loyalty, true love, and simple faith in old New York society.
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.
Edwin Lefevre
The Plunderers: A Novel
"The Plunderers: A Novel" by Edwin Lefevre is a fiction work written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around a series of unique and intriguing characters driven by their ambitions, culminating in a theft of substantial value involving a sophisticated swindle targeting New York's elite. The story explores themes of deception, desperation, and the complexities of human nature. The opening of the novel introduces the character of W. W. Lovell, who runs a mysterious advertisement for a bizarre job at the Acme Vibrator Company. This attracts a group of desperate men, one of whom, Lewis J. Wright, is selected for an unusual assignment that leads him to London. The narrative quickly shifts to illustrate how a counterfeit royal scheme involving Colonel Lowther and his associates unfolds, as they orchestrate an elaborate heist targeting New York's most prestigious jewelers. The tension builds around the impending theft, revealing character traits and motives that hint at the potential consequences of their recklessness.
Edwin Lefevre
Wall Street stories
"WALL STREET STORIES" by Edwin Lefèvre is a collection of fictional short stories written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the intricate and often tumultuous world of finance, particularly focusing on the lives and experiences of various characters within the Wall Street environment. The narratives tackle the challenges, risks, and moral dilemmas faced by those involved in stock trading and investment. The opening of the collection introduces Fullerton F. Colwell, a hardworking and sympathetic figure in a prominent Wall Street firm, as he deals with the recently widowed Mrs. Hunt who is seeking financial advice after her husband's death. The story highlights Colwell's meticulous nature and concern for the widow's well-being as he navigates the complexities of the stock market on her behalf. As he tries to provide her with a sound investment, the tension between personal responsibility and the calculating business of Wall Street is established, setting an insightful tone for the collection's exploration of financial ethics and human relationships in a high-stakes industry.
Henry Richardson Chamberlain
6,000 Tons of Gold
"6,000 Tons of Gold" by Henry Richardson Chamberlain is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around two men, Robert Brent and Duncan Fraser, who form an unlikely friendship aboard the steamship "Elbe" as they travel to Buenos Aires. Motivated by financial difficulties and the prospect of riches, they soon embark on a quest to uncover a hidden treasure of gold in Patagonia, which leads them into a series of extraordinary adventures laden with moral complexities. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the ship's passengers, including the American, Brent, who has faced recent financial hardships. His companionship with the older Scottish man, Fraser, quickly deepens as they share their life stories, setting the stage for their collaboration. After a violent storm causes injuries to both men, Fraser reveals to Brent an incredible secret about a vast hidden gold treasure guarded by a group of native Patagonians. Fraser invites Brent to join him on this extraordinary venture, igniting their mutual ambition and curiosity, which will ultimately test their ideals and the very fabric of their friendship as they pursue untold wealth.
Edwin Lefevre
The Golden Flood
"The Golden Flood" by Edwin Lefevre is a novel written in the early 20th century. It focuses on the enigmatic character, George Kitchell Grinnell, a young man who astonishes a Wall Street bank president with his extraordinary deposits of gold, raising suspicion and awe in equal measure. The narrative delves into themes of wealth, power, and the implications of sudden financial upheaval. The opening portion introduces the characters and sets the stage for a financial mystery. Grinnell first visits the Metropolitan National Bank and deposits a substantial amount, quickly escalating his deposits to millions, which piques the curiosity of the bank president, Mr. Dawson. As Grinnell continues to deposit increasingly larger sums, Dawson becomes concerned about the source of such wealth and the potential implications for the broader financial system. The story hints at Grinnell's secretive nature and raises questions about his intentions and the dangers his wealth could pose to the economic landscape. The tension builds as Dawson feels both compelled and threatened by Grinnell's unprecedented financial presence.
Self-made man
A Lucky Deal; or The 'Cutest Boy in Wall Street
"A Lucky Deal; or The 'Cutest Boy in Wall Street" by a Self-made Man is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Jack Hazard, a resourceful and ambitious boy struggling to support his family during financially difficult times in New York City. The narrative follows Jack’s journey as he encounters various challenges, including rescuing a drowning girl and navigating the complexities of Wall Street. The opening of the tale introduces readers to Jack's family, particularly his mother, Mrs. Hazard, and his sister, Annie, who are facing dire circumstances after the sudden loss of their father and recently robbed rental money. As they deal with the emotional turmoil of their situation, Jack's opportunity arises when he performs a heroic act by saving a young girl from drowning. This act of bravery leads to a series of fortunate events that see him landing a job as a messenger in Wall Street, setting the stage for his adventures in the bustling financial district. Through his experiences, Jack exemplifies qualities of bravery, determination, and integrity, making him a relatable and inspiring protagonist.
Frederick Orin Bartlett
The Wall Street Girl
"The Wall Street Girl" by Frederick Orin Bartlett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Donald Pendleton, a young man who has recently lost his father and is navigating life in New York City under the shadow of family expectations and financial constraints. As he deals with the realities of adult responsibilities, his journey explores themes of love, ambition, and social status. The opening of the novel introduces Donald Pendleton as he meets with his father's lawyer, Jonas Barton, to discuss the terms of his father's will. Despite his initial expectations of inheriting substantial wealth, he discovers that his father has left him the family home but no funds for living expenses, leading to a stark realization of his new reality. The narrative then unfolds to depict Don's attempts to adjust to his newfound independence, while also dealing with his engagement to Frances Stuyvesant and pondering the practicalities of his financial situation. Along the way, he encounters Miss Winthrop, a diligent stenographer, and begins to form a connection that may complicate his already tumultuous life.
Edwin Lefevre
The Tipster 1901, From "Wall Street Stories"
"The Tipster" by Edwin Lefevre is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the world of stock trading and speculation, focusing on the experiences of its protagonist, Gilmartin, as he navigates the ups and downs of Wall Street. It delves into themes of ambition, luck, and the consequences of gambling on financial markets. The story follows Gilmartin, an ambitious man who leaves a stable job in the drug industry to pursue fortune in the stock market. Initially filled with hope and enthusiasm, he soon finds himself caught in the exhilarating yet treacherous world of trading. After experiencing a drastic financial downturn, Gilmartin attempts to regain his lost wealth through risky speculation and eventually becomes a "tipster," offering advice to others based on inside information. However, his return to fortune is short-lived, leading to further losses and a deep sense of loneliness. The narrative illustrates Gilmartin's relentless pursuit of wealth and ultimately highlights the pitfalls of greed and the volatile nature of the stock market.
Upton Sinclair
Rahanvaihtajat
"Rahanvaihtajat" by Upton Sinclair is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of wealth, social standing, and the complexities of human relationships in the context of early 1900s America. The story centers around the character of Lucy Dupree, a young widow who relocates to New York from New Orleans, where she becomes entangled in the city’s elite social scene and its accompanying challenges. The opening of the novel introduces us to Lucy's backstory and her return to social life after the death of her wealthy husband. We see the curiosity and admiration surrounding Lucy from characters like Reggie Mann and Allan Montague, who recall her captivating youth and beauty. As Lucy navigates her new life, she expresses her desire to indulge in the wealth of New York City and encounters various figures, including the influential Dan Waterman. The narrative hints at her struggles with societal expectations and the alluring yet treacherous world of the wealthy, setting the stage for her complex relationships and conflicts that are likely to unfold throughout the story.
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