Beyond the Dreams of Avarice

Description

Originally published in 1895, a dying man instructs his son to reject their family fortune because of its evil origins and his grandfather's unsavory past. Yet, his son is enamored by the riches and its potential for good. John Calvert was a successful engineer and heir to a large fortune. While on his deathbed, he tells his son, Dr. Lucian Calvert, the truth about their family's money and how it was acquired. His dying wish is that Lucian never touches a dime or use it for personal gain. John fails to leave a will, which causes multiple "family members" to stake their claim on his wealth. Despite his father's haunting words, Lucian becomes engaged in a battle for his highly-coveted estate. Beyond the Dream of Avarice is a cautionary tale about status, wealth and greed. Walter Besant provides an insightful look at the corruptive nature of money and power. Even with a clear warning, man can still fall victim to the desires of the flesh. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Beyond the Dream of Avarice is both modern and readable.

Walter Besant (1836-1901) was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire and studied at King's College, London. He would later work in higher education at Royal College, Mauritius, where he taught mathematics. During this time, Besant also began his extensive writing career. In 1868 he published Studies in Early French Poetry followed by a fruitful collaboration with James Rice, which produced Ready-money Mortiboy (1872), and The Golden Butterfly(1876). Besant's career spanned genres and mediums including fiction, non-fiction, plays and various collections.