
A young man of uncertain birth, newly aware of a hidden lineage, seizes the chance to reinvent himself within the glittering circles of high society. Encouraged by a well‑connected patron, he seeks to adopt a prestigious name and secure a public debut that will set him apart from countless rivals. His restless ambition drives him into the salons and drawing‑rooms where reputation is currency, and every favor is a step toward the status he craves.
As he navigates this world of elegance and intrigue, the novel examines the delicate balance between genuine talent and the seductive pull of vanity. The protagonist’s charm and wit mask a deeper struggle: the desire for recognition clashes with the lingering shadows of his past. Through lively dialogue and keen observation, the story captures the swirling fashions of the age while probing the moral cost of unchecked ego, leaving listeners eager to see whether his ascent will endure or unravel.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (674K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Andrew Heath and David Widger
Release date
2004-11-27
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1803–1873
Best remembered for vivid historical and supernatural fiction, this prolific Victorian writer also left a surprising mark on everyday language with phrases that people still quote today. His stories mix drama, mystery, politics, and the occult in a way that helped shape popular fiction in the 19th century.
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