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The Struggles of Brown, Jones, and Robinson

Gelesen von Arnold

(3,933 Sterne; 15 Bewertungen)

Billed as a satire concerning the dishonest advertising and business practices of the day, it tells the tale of an upstart clothing business doomed from the get-go to utter failure. Its senior partner (the elderly Brown, who provides the investment) is far too timid for business. His son-in-law (Jones, who runs the store) is stealing from the till, and the junior partner, Robinson (who writes advertisements for the store) is so obsessed with the idea that advertising alone will drive the business, he uses up every last penny of the capital investment in a series of increasingly ludicrous ad campaigns and publicity stunts.

Thrown into this mix are the two daughters of Brown, who are equally cold and calculating. The elder (married to Jones) is constantly trying to wring money out of the old man, and the younger, Maryanne, spends the entire novel playing off of two potential suitors, Robinson, or Brisket the butcher (one of Trollope's wonderful examples of ironic character naming). (above summary by Steve Forsyth, Texas)

Nevertheless, Trollope shows considerable sympathy for the risks faced by small businessmen (and also notes the vulnerability of writers to over-ready critics); Robinson is to publish his experiences in the Cornhill Magazine, a prominent journal for over 100 years, in which many Victorians serialized novels (including this one). In the final chapter there is a surprising ennoblement of Robinson, and a very positive ending (final comments by Arnold Banner) (8 hr 7 min)

Chapters

Preface. By One of the Firm

20:33

Read by Arnold

The Early History of Our Mr. Brown, with Some Few Words of Mr. Jones

20:23

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The Early History of Mr. Robinson

14:58

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Nine Times Nine is Eighty-one. Showing How Brown, Jones, and Robinson Selected …

22:07

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The Division of Labour

23:22

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It is Our Opening Day

13:57

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Miss Brown Pleads Her Own Case, and Mr. Robinson Walks on Blackfriars Bridge

15:37

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Mr. Brisket Thinks He Sees His Way, and Mr. Robinson again Walks on Blackfriars…

25:50

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Showing How Mr. Robinson was Employed on the Opening Day

20:28

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Showing How the Firm Invented a New Shirt

21:01

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Johnson of Manchester

26:40

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Samson and Delilah

17:45

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The Wisdom of Poppins

19:18

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Mistress Morony

25:06

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Miss Brown Names the Day

15:53

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Showing How Robinson Walked Upon Roses

19:16

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A Tea-party in Bishopsgate Street

23:29

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An Evening at the "Goose and Gridiron"

21:45

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George Robinson's Marriage

15:03

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Showing How Mr. Brisket Didn't See His Way

14:33

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Mr. Brown is Taken Ill

29:32

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Wasteful and Impetuous Sale

26:53

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Farewell

20:27

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George Robinson's Dream

13:52

Read by Arnold

Bewertungen

Grateful For This Recording

(3 Sterne)

I wish to express profound appreciation for this recording. Permit me to explain. I am usually a sound sleeper, but recently have found it difficult to fall asleep. Knowing that I might toss and turn half the night, I added this novel to my MP3 player. The effect was pure magic! I was asleep before the first chapter had scarcely begun. Highly recommended as an amazing sleep aid without the annoying side-effects of prescription pills. Now I cannot tell you what the story was about, but having listened to many novels by Anthony Trollope I would imagine that it concerns money difficulties. Who cares? The combination of story and presentation is all that one needs to insure a great night's sleep.

(4 Sterne)

Good book. At least it is different than his other books.

(5 Sterne)

Fascinating tale of commerce and romance. Also well read .