A machine boss owns a Midwestern city; a young woman of the best family joins the socialists who mean to take it from him, and finds her own father's money is part of the machine. Phillips was the muckraker whose Treason of the Senate so enraged Theodore Roosevelt that the President coined the word muckraker to insult him; he was shot dead in the street at forty-three, and this 1911 novel is his most direct about who owns America.

Henry Gower dies, and his widow and daughter discover that the comfortable fortune they lived on never existed. Mildred, brought up for nothing but a good marriage, sells herself to a rich and repellent older man, finds the bargain unbearable, and leaves him to train her voice for the opera stage, with talent, debts and no protector. Phillips was the muckraker whose Treason of the Senate so enraged Roosevelt that the President coined the word to insult him; he was shot dead in the street a...

A rough Western politician arrives in Washington determined to be President, and a woman of the capital's best society decides to take him in hand — and each is using the other with complete clarity. Phillips was the muckraker whose Treason of the Senate so enraged Roosevelt that the President coined the word to insult him; he was shot dead in the street at forty-three, and the Washington here is drawn from his own reporting.

This novel is a satirical and social commentary on the upper echelons of New York City society during the Gilded Age, a period of American history characterized by great wealth and excess among the upper classes. The story follows the titular character, Joshua Craig, a successful and ambitious lawyer who rises through the ranks of society. Joshua Craig is a self-made man who navigates the complexities of high society and becomes entangled in various romantic and social adventures.Through t...

The novel likely delves into social themes, exploring the lives, struggles, and ambitions of the descendants or second generation of prominent families. Phillips oftenwrote about social issues and the effects of wealth and privilege on individuals and families, and "The Second Generation" might similarly explore the complexities and challenges faced by those born into wealth or influence.As with many of Phillips' works, this novel might delve into the tensions between old money and new asp...

"The Social Secretary" is a satirical novel that delves into the world of high society and the role of the social secretary, a position that was crucial for managing social events and maintaining social connections among the elite.The story revolves around the experiences of the protagonist, who works as a social secretary for a wealthy and influential family or individual. The novel provides a critical and often humorous look at the inner workings of high society, revealing the complexiti...

The story revolves around the character of Cyrus Croyden, a self-made millionaire who rises from humble beginnings to amass wealth and influence. Croyden is depicted as a ruthless and ambitious man who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. The novel delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by Croyden as he navigates the world of business and politics.As with many of Phillips' works, "The Grain of Dust" is a social and political novel that offers a critical examin...

The novel is set in a fictional European principality and revolves around the life of a young American woman who unexpectedly becomes a prominent figure in European nobility. The story explores themes of romance, social status, and personal transformation.The protagonist, a woman of modest American background, finds herself thrust into the opulent and complex world of European royalty. Her transition from an ordinary life to that of a "Serene Highness" involves navigating the intricacies o...

The novel follows the life of Roland Lacy, a charming and clever young man who leads a double life. By day, Lacy appears to be a respectable member of society, but by night, he is involved in various criminal activities, particularly in the world of high-stakes theft and con artistry.Lacy’s criminal activities are driven by a combination of personal motives and a critique of societal norms. The story delves into his motivations, the intricacies of his schemes, and the moral ambiguities he ...

"The Cost" tells the story of Kate Tarleton, a young woman from a small town in the Midwest, who moves to New York City with dreams of success and a better life. She becomes a stenographer and becomes embroiled in the corrupt world of big business and politics in the city. The novel follows her struggles and the challenges she faces as she navigates a society where money and power often trump moral values and personal integrity.One of the central themes of the novel is the price that indiv...

"The Master Rogue: The Confessions of a Croesus" is a sensational novel that follows the story of Arnold Armstrong, a wealthy and influential man who leads a double life as a master thief and criminal mastermind. As the plot unfolds, readers are introduced to the glamorous world of high society and the seedy underbelly of crime and corruption.Through Arnold's confessions, the novel offers a thrilling glimpse into the mind of a criminal genius as he recounts his daring heists, elaborate sch...

The plot of "White Magic" likely revolves around themes of love, ambition, and societal dynamics. Phillips' novels often explored the tensions and conflicts arising from the clash between individual desires and societal expectations, particularly within the context of the rapidly changing social landscape of early 20th-century America."White Magic" may delve into issues such as class distinctions, gender roles, and the pursuit of success and happiness. The title suggests a contrast between...