Trollope's magnificent and prescient satire about a dishonest financier who buys his way into a corrupt society, and throws it into turmoil When the Melmottes arrive in London everyone agrees their manners are wanting, their taste is execrable, and their lineage and background decidedly shadowy. But their money is far from revolting, and city society quickly makes allowances for the mysterious financier and his family. Soon hearts, minds, and family savings are swept into the whirl of Augustus Melmotte's lavish parties and exciting investment plans—but is it all an elaborate swindle?