The Man of Last Resort; Or, The Clients of Randolph Mason

"The Man of Last Resort; Or, The Clients of Randolph Mason" by Melville Davisson Post is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a mysterious lawyer, Randolph Mason, known for his keen legal mind yet morally ambiguous approach to the law. It explores themes of justice and morality amidst a backdrop of societal and legal imperfections, particularly through Mason's interactions with various clients. At the start of the novel, the preface sets a philosophical tone that highlights the inadequacies of the legal system and the power of public sentiment in shaping laws. The opening chapters introduce the youthful Governor Alfred Capland Randal, who grapples with the consequences of his political machinations and personal obligations. Faced with a challenging situation involving a strike and personal relationships, he reflects on his past hopes, ambitions, and the hefty burden of loyalty and responsibility to his friends, particularly the flawed yet loyal Secretary of State, Ambercrombie Hergan. Through vivid characterization and intricate dialogue, the narrative sets the stage for tension and conflict rooted in ideals of honor, duty, and the murky ethics within political and legal frameworks. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Melville Davisson Post was an American writer, born in Harrison County, West Virginia. Although his name is not immediately familiar to those outside of specialist circles, many of his collections are still in print, and many collections of detective fiction include works by him. Post's best-known character is the mystery solving, justice dispensing West Virginian backwoodsman, Uncle Abner. The 22 Uncle Abner tales, written between 1911 and 1928, have been called some of "the finest mysteries ever written".