Arcadian Adventures with the Idle Rich

A satirical novel written in the early 20th century. The book humorously explores the lives of wealthy individuals and the absurdities of high society, particularly through the lens of the Mausoleum Club, a fictional club for the affluent. The narrative opens with a vivid description of the exclusive club, setting the tone for a series of comedic and often ludicrous events featuring characters like Mr. Lucullus Fyshe and the Duke of Dulham. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the opulence and absurdity surrounding the Mausoleum Club, where extravagant lifestyles play out against a backdrop of societal critique. The opening chapter features Mr. Lucullus Fyshe, who is dining with the Reverend Fareforth Furlong in preparation for an evening with the Duke of Dulham, a character portrayed as both aristocratic and financially troubled. The dialogue explores themes of wealth, privilege, and the disconnect between the upper classes and the everyday concerns of the common people, setting the stage for the humorous yet poignant social commentary that Leacock delivers throughout the work. As the chapter unfolds, we see the anticipation of the dinner and the unfolding interactions that highlight the absurdities of their social strata.