The novel is a satirical comedy that follows the life of Joseph Bindle, a working-class man who becomes embroiled in various misadventures and schemes. It begins with Bindle's marriage to a woman named Emily, but their union quickly turns out to be a disaster due to his laziness and her nagging nature. Bindle then gets involved in a series of get-rich-quick schemes, including selling fake remedies and participating in a pyramid scheme. However, these endeavors ultimately end in failure. Throughout the novel, Bindle's character is portrayed as a lovable but hapless individual who consistently makes poor decisions that lead to chaos and destruction. The novel pokes fun at various social issues of the time, including class differences, marriage, and the rise of consumer culture.
By Herbert Jenkins · First published 1925 · Genre: Comedy, Domestic Fiction, Satire · 21 chapters