The Book of All-Power

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24920

Title

The Book of All-Power

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Edgar Wallace's *The Book of All-Power* follows British engineer Malcolm Hay as he navigates the treacherous politics of revolutionary Russia. Tasked with managing oil wells, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving the Grand Duchess, a mysterious book of magic, and a ruthless local magnate. A thrilling adventure blending espionage, supernatural intrigue, and high-stakes survival.

Summary up to 500 words

In Edgar Wallace's *The Book of All-Power*, British engineer Malcolm Hay travels to revolutionary Russia to manage oil wells for the Ukraine Oil Company. Despite his confidence, he is warned by his employer, Mr. Tremayne, about the country's volatile nature and the dangerous figure of Israel Kensky, a local magnate with mysterious connections. Upon arrival, Hay meets Grand Duchess Irene and her father, the Grand Duke, who are hosting a state visit. The atmosphere is tense, filled with religious superstition and political maneuvering. Hay discovers that he has been given a copy of the 'Book of All-Power' by the eccentric Israel Kensky, a book rumored to contain magical secrets. The Grand Duke suspects the book is a tool of the devil and warns Hay of the dangers it poses. Hay is subsequently drugged and nearly killed by a servant, Boolba, but is rescued by the Grand Duchess. Meanwhile, a revolutionary named Cherry Bim, who has been captured, manages to escape and steals the book. He uses it to signal a train, allowing him and the Grand Duchess to flee the country. On the train, they discover that the book is not magical but contains thousands of pounds in Bank of England notes, which Kensky had hidden to protect his wealth. The novel concludes with the group escaping to Poland, leaving the book and its secrets behind. The narrative explores themes of deception, the clash between superstition and reality, and the unpredictability of human nature in a time of revolution. The 'magic' of the book turns out to be a clever ruse by Kensky to safeguard his fortune, subverting the expectations of those who believed in supernatural powers.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-07-04 10:46 UTC

Categories

• Fiction