"This first novel in John Galsworthy's epic social satire The Forsyte Saga introduces us to Soames Forsyte, a prominent man of an important moneyed family. Accustomed to getting what he wants, Soames is dogged in his pursuit of the beautiful Irene, in spite of her pennilessness and her indifference to him. Though she accepts his marriage proposal to escape poverty, she swears to Soames that she will never be his property. When Irene falls for a young architect, Soames resolves to force the obedience he could not buy."