
In the summer of 1882, amid the sprawling tapestry of the British Raj, a world of paradoxes unfolds—where liberty and tyranny coexist, and ambition can turn serfs into magnates. The narrator sketches a society where power is bought, sold, and quietly enforced, hinting at the hidden mechanisms that shape fortunes in colonial India. Into this intricate backdrop steps a man of extraordinary perseverance, whose rise promises to reveal the subtle art of navigating both overt oppression and covert patronage.
Listeners will be drawn into the early chapters of his ascent, watching how intellect, restraint, and an almost paradoxical sense of honor guide his choices. As he accumulates wealth without courting politics, the story explores the clash between Eastern despotism and British rule, offering a nuanced portrait of a society in flux. The opening promises a thoughtful blend of historical insight and personal drama, inviting you to follow a journey that is as much about character as it is about the age‑old dance of power and principle.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (448K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Kevin Handy, John Hagerson and PG Distributed Proofreaders
Release date
2004-08-31
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1854–1909
Born in Italy to American parents and educated across Europe and the U.S., this cosmopolitan novelist became one of the most popular storytellers of his day. He is especially remembered for vivid Italian settings, historical adventure, and memorable supernatural tales such as The Upper Berth.
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