Gloria Mundi

Gloria Mundi is a fascinating work about English life, revolving around the ideas of feminism and The New Woman, the decline of an ancient family, the Jewish question, and English class struggles. Born aborad in poverty, a young man suddenly gets called to England and learns that he is the heir to a dukedom and considerable fortune. From this high expectation, he senses the possibilities of his new riches: he can turn into a wild, rugged squire; he can lead the life of a wealthy man in London; he can be a follower of a philanthropic relative. But what he eventually chooses to do unfolds later in the story. It's a wonderfully structured novel with impressive characterization by American journalist and novelist Harold Frederic. Through Gloria Mundi, the world finally recognized his talent as a novelist. It's a must-read to get an idea of English life during the late 19th century.