The Profiteers

"The Profiteers" by E. Phillips Oppenheim is a book that takes place after World War I, where big money and social life clash in Britain. The story centers around John Philip Wingate, a strong American money guy, setting up a battle against Dreadnought Phipps, who doesn’t play fair in the stock market. This conflict bubbles up at a fancy garden party thrown by Lady Amesbury, where whispers about Wingate’s plans to take on Phipps spread quickly. Wingate is thought to be a threat to Phipps and his wheat company, British and Imperial Granaries (B. & I.). As Wingate thinks back on his past and his enemies, the novel hints at troubles and connections, especially involving the stylish Lady Dredlinton, who is struggling with something. The book kicks off by mixing fancy parties with tricky market moves, showing a world where people balance their high-society lives with the risks and rewards of high finance.