The Revolt of Man

In Walter Besant's 'The Revolt of Man', gender roles are reversed in a future England. Men now occupy submissive positions, and women have taken over positions of power. The handsome Earl of Chester defies societal conventions and falls in love with his cousin, Lady Carlyon. However, the thrice-widowed Duchess of Dunstanburgh also desires Edward's hand in marriage. Lady Carlyon proposes to marry Edward, and the entire House of Peeresses must vote on the issue. Besant's novel explores gender, power, and love in a Victorian-era world turned upside down.