Set in a small industrial town at the start of the twentieth century, this is the humorous story of Edward “Denry” Machin. Denry is an impulsive, opportunistic, and occasionally lucky entrepreneur with few scruples where money-making is concerned. Not especially likeable, yet not entirely loathsome, Denry makes for a very entertaining character to both the fictional townsfolk and the readers of this tale alike. A story full of hilarity, and sure to entertain any reader, this book would make for a worthy addition to any collection. It constitutes a veritable must-read for fans of Bennett’s work. Enoch Arnold Bennett was an English writer. He was renowned as a novelist, but also worked in other fields including journalism, film, and propaganda. Originally written in 1911, many vintage texts such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive, and it is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition. It comes complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.