The Golden Butterfly by Walter Besant, James Rice

"The Golden Butterfly" is a Victorian novel that weaves the tale of a talented and beautiful actress who rises to fame and fortune, capturing the hearts of London's elite. Her mysterious origins and the secret of her birth become the focal point of the narrative, as various characters, including a wealthy banker, a struggling playwright, and an ambitious financier, become entangled in her life. The story explores themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of wealth and status, set against the backdrop of the glittering but often ruthless world of the late 19th-century theatre scene. As the characters navigate their complex relationships and personal desires, the enigma of the actress's past and the pursuit of the titular "Golden Butterfly" drive the plot towards its dramatic conclusion.

The 6312th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 60

Since this book was first published in 1876, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 60.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.