Publication Year: 1947

Literary Form: Novel

Narrative Style: Naturalism

Era: Early 20th Century

Setting: Chicago, New York, London, and Paris

Main Characters:

Frank A. Cowperwood: Eminent financier

Aileen Cowperwood: His second wife

Berenice Fleming: His mistress

Philip Henshaw & Montague Greaves: English engineers

Bruce Tollifer: Artist from the South

Lord Stane: English financier

Lorna Maris: Dancer from Baltimore

Marigold Brainerd: Associate of Tollifer

Dr. Jefferson James: Cowperwood's confidant and physician

Narrative Overview

Approaching the age of sixty, Frank Cowperwood finds himself defeated in his quest to dominate Chicago's transportation system through a fifty-year franchise. Despite his wealth, he and Aileen, his second wife, have yet to achieve the social status they believe is their due. Amidst this downturn, Berenice Fleming, a captivating woman Cowperwood has adored for eight years, surprisingly consents to become his mistress. Although Berenice is aware Cowperwood intends to remain wed to Aileen, she accepts his financial support for both her and her mother.

New Opportunities in London

With an untamed spirit eager for fresh ventures, Cowperwood turns his attention to a proposal by British engineers Philip Henshaw and Montague Greaves. They seek his financial backing for London's underground railway system, particularly the line connecting Charing Cross to Hampstead. Seeing an opportunity to unify these disparate lines, Cowperwood plans a trip to England, accompanied by Berenice, to secure funding and aim for control over the project.

Strategic Moves and Personal Lives

On the way to England, Cowperwood halts in New York to visit Aileen in their opulent residence. Initially inviting her to Europe, he then concludes that keeping her socially engaged would allow him more freedom with Berenice. To ensure Aileen's distraction, he employs the impoverished artist Bruce Tollifer to entertain her, providing him a generous allowance. Unaware of the manipulation, Aileen believes her husband’s invitation to Europe signifies a commitment to his marriage.

London's Business and Personal Intrigues

In London, Cowperwood realizes that controlling the Central Loop line is crucial to his ambitions. Enter Lord Stane, a British financier who aids Cowperwood in both his entrepreneurial and personal dealings. Meanwhile, Berenice leases a countryside estate from Lord Stane, and Tollifer persuades Aileen to venture to Paris, where he attempts to revitalize her appearance through fashion and fitness.

Continental Affairs and Expansion

While Aileen and Tollifer are in Paris, Cowperwood and Berenice savor their time in the English countryside and visit historical sites. However, Cowperwood's expanding business requires a return to the U.S. to source additional capital. Leaving Aileen in New York, he travels across the country. A chance encounter with Lorna Maris, a beautiful dancer claiming kinship, leads to a new romantic entanglement, prolonging his stay in America.

Conflict and Resolution

Back in England, Cowperwood's enterprise thrives. He, along with Lord Stane, gains control over the underground and its construction firm, eventually buying out the English engineers. Meanwhile, Aileen returns to Paris, only to discover through Marigold Brainerd that Tollifer's role was a setup. Feeling betrayed, she returns to New York, where Cowperwood plans to convert their mansion into a museum, entrusting Aileen with the renovations.

Final Days and Legacy

Suffering from deteriorating health, Cowperwood embarks on a Norwegian cruise with Berenice to rejuvenate. Yet, upon returning to work, his health worsens, diagnosed with Bright's disease. Determined to conclude his affairs, he constructs a family tomb and hastens to finalize his business dealings. A severe attack at Lord Stane's residence prompts Dr. Jefferson James to take Cowperwood on a therapeutic sea voyage, offering only short-lived relief.

Illness and Aftermath

Returning to New York intending to see Aileen...