A Hungarian Nabob

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20978

Title

A Hungarian Nabob

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A Hungarian Nabob by Mór Jókai is a classic tale of eccentric nobility and moral redemption. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Hungary, it follows the dying John Kárpáthy, a wealthy but unconventional man who leaves his fortune to his dissolute nephew, Abellino. Through strict conditions and the guidance of a wise guardian, the story explores themes of debt, family duty, and the transformation of a wayward youth into a responsible citizen.

Summary up to 500 words

Mór Jókai's *A Hungarian Nabob* opens on a stormy night at the 'Break-'em-tear-'em' csárda, where innkeeper Peter Bús grumbles about the relentless rain. Despite his reluctance, a mysterious carriage struggles through the mud to arrive, carrying a flamboyant Parisian dandy named Abellino. Abellino expects to inherit the estate of his eccentric, dying uncle, John Kárpáthy, whom he believes to be dead. Instead, he finds a living master who, despite his eccentricities, refuses to send his nephew abroad to squander his fortune. Kárpáthy, a man who rejects foreign luxuries and clings to traditional Hungarian values, reveals his will: he leaves his estate to Abellino but imposes strict conditions. Abellino must collect his daily allowance personally, cannot receive it in advance, and must face his creditors directly. Furthermore, Kárpáthy appoints Count Rudolf Szentirmay as the guardian of his infant son, ensuring the child is raised with honor and virtue. The narrative delves into the clash between traditional Hungarian life and modern decadence. Abellino, accustomed to a life of debt and extravagance in Paris, struggles with the consequences of his reckless lifestyle once he is grounded in rural Hungary. Kárpáthy's peculiar habits—such as his love for local customs, his disdain for foreign influences, and his eccentric entertainment of farmyard wenches—highlight the cultural divide. The story examines the nature of wealth, the responsibilities of inheritance, and the possibility of personal growth through the eyes of the narrator and various characters. The novel is rich in Hungarian folklore, humor, and social commentary, offering a vivid portrait of life in rural Hungary during a time of significant change. The tale culminates in Kárpáthy's death and the funeral, where the community mourns the loss of a unique figure who, despite his flaws, remained a pillar of his estate. Through his final testament, Kárpáthy expresses his deep concern for his nephew's moral ruin and his hope that his son will be guided by noble ideals, entrusting the child to Count Szentirmay and his wife. The novel ends with the Nabob's quiet passing and the community's profound respect for his legacy.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Hungarian Literature