The Master Rogue: The Confessions of a Croesus

"The Master Rogue: The Confessions of a Croesus" by David Graham Phillips is a story about a man's relentless pursuit of wealth and power in a corrupt and competitive New York. The novel centers around the protagonist's journey from a simple clerk to a millionaire, showcasing his ambition, betrayals, and the resulting moral challenges. He narrates his early confidence in achieving wealth, his rise through the ranks in a dry-goods business, and his envy towards his senior partner. His discovery of Judson's financial troubles presents him with a golden opportunity to take over the business, setting the stage for a series of difficult choices and conflicts that affect his family and relationships.