A Hungarian Nabob

"A Hungarian Nabob" by Mór Jókai is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in Hungary and revolves around the character of John Kárpáthy, an extravagant magnate, and his interactions with his nephew Abellino Kárpáthy, a dandy from Paris who is seeking inheritance. The novel explores themes of wealth, social dynamics, and the eccentricities that shape the lives of its characters. The opening of "A Hungarian Nabob" immerses readers in the rainy and muddy atmosphere of Hungary, where innkeeper Peter Bús reflects on the dire circumstances surrounding his establishment, aptly named the "Break-'em-tear-'em" inn. As guests arrive amidst the foul weather, a comedic exchange unfolds between Peter and the gentry, particularly involving the ludicrous demands of his lordship, the Nabob. This light-hearted start introduces a variety of eccentric personalities, setting the tone for a rich tapestry of humor and drama as the story progresses into the intricate relations of wealth and kinship in Hungary. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Móricz Jókay of Ásva, known as Mór Jókai, was a Hungarian novelist, dramatist and revolutionary. Outside of Hungary, he was also known as Maurice Jókai or Maurus Jokai or Mauritius Jókai. He was a leader of the outbreak of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 in Pest. His romantic novels became widely popular among the elite of Victorian England, where he was often compared to Charles Dickens by the press. One of his most famous admirers was Queen Victoria herself.