
When the iron‑minded John Marsh suddenly dies, New York’s elite are forced to swallow their pride. The late steel magnate’s younger brother, Jimmy, has never been anything but a charming rogue—sketchy in his morals, a compulsive gambler, and a perpetual social pariah. His reckless card‑cheating episode and the scandal it sparked have kept him on the outskirts of respectable society, even as his name hangs over a fortune that could reshape his life.
Now, with John’s massive estate poised to pass to Jimmy, the very circles that once shunned him must decide whether to accept a man they despise but whose wealth could not be ignored. As the will’s execution looms, Jimmy must confront the expectations of a world that will either elevate him to power or watch him crumble under the weight of his own vices. The story follows his uneasy ascent, the lingering doubts about his character, and the tense dance between reputation and riches.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (373K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Annie McGuire
Release date
2010-07-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1865–1942
A theater critic, editor, and playwright with a deep knowledge of the American stage, he helped document and shape theatrical culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is especially remembered for his ambitious history of theater in America and for his long association with Theatre Magazine.
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1867–1915
A hugely successful playwright of the early 1900s, he helped shape popular American theater with crowd-pleasing dramas, comedies, and musical works. His life ended tragically in 1915 when he died in the sinking of the RMS Lusitania.
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