The Book of All-Power Informative Summary

Overview:

This thrilling novel transports us to pre-Revolution Russia, where a mysterious book known as “The Book of All-Power” holds the secrets to power, control, and even magic. The story unfolds around Israel Kensky, a wealthy Jewish merchant who possesses the book, and the Grand Duchess Irene Yaroslav, whose father, the Grand Duke, is targeted for assassination. The book attracts a diverse cast of characters, including revolutionaries, a cunning American gun-man, and the ambitious Prince Serganoff, who orchestrates a cunning plot to use the book for his own gain.

The story takes us through tense encounters in London, where the plot is hatched, and to the chaotic streets of Kieff, where a mob led by Boolba, the Grand Duke’s former servant, seeks to seize the book. As the plot thickens, Malcolm Hay, a British engineer working in Russia, becomes entangled in the web of intrigue, and finds himself drawn to Irene. The novel climaxes in a thrilling escape from a Moscow prison, where Malcolm, Irene, and Malinkoff, a former Russian General, are held captive by Boolba. Their escape is aided by Cherry Bim, the American gun-man, who brings a touch of humor and action to this otherwise dark and suspenseful narrative.

Key Findings:

The power of a single book: The “Book of All-Power” is more than a book – it represents the allure of power and the lengths people will go to achieve it.
The chaos of pre-Revolution Russia: The novel captures the turmoil and unrest of Russia on the eve of revolution, where superstition, religious fanaticism, and political intrigue collide.
The lengths to which people will go for power: The characters in the story are driven by ambition, greed, and a desire for control. They engage in treachery, assassination, and violence to achieve their goals.
The power of superstition and misinformation: The belief in the book’s magical powers fuels much of the conflict, highlighting the dangers of misinformation and blind faith.

Learning:

The dangers of power and ambition: The novel illustrates how power can corrupt even those who seem honorable, leading to betrayal, violence, and a disregard for human life.
The power of superstition and its influence on society: The “Book of All-Power” is a potent symbol of the role of superstition in society, showing how fear and irrationality can drive people to extreme actions.
The impact of political unrest and revolution: The novel provides a glimpse into the social and political turmoil of pre-revolutionary Russia, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the need for social justice.

Historical Context:

The Book of All-Power is set in the turbulent years leading up to the Russian Revolution. The novel is infused with the anxieties of a country on the verge of collapse, a society grappling with widespread poverty, political instability, and the oppressive weight of the Tsarist regime. The backdrop of World War I further exacerbates the tension, contributing to the atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and violence that permeates the story.

Facts:

Kieff is a city with steep roads: The novel notes that Kieff has steeper roads than any other city in Europe. This reflects the city’s unique geography, being built on a series of hills.
Russia celebrates numerous holy days: The text highlights the importance of religious holidays in Russian life, with numerous celebrations throughout the year.
Superstition is prevalent in Russian peasant culture: The story emphasizes the widespread belief in witchcraft, miracles, and supernatural powers among the peasantry, reflecting the deeply ingrained religious traditions of the time.
The “Book of All-Power” is a symbol of power and control: The novel portrays the book as an object of desire for those seeking power and influence, embodying the allure of forbidden knowledge and control over others.
The Grand Duke Yaroslav is unpopular at court: The text notes the Grand Duke’s lack of favor at the Imperial Court, creating a tension and vulnerability that contributes to the plot.
There are numerous religious shrines in Kieff: The story mentions various shrines and holy sites in Kieff, reflecting the city’s significance as a religious center.
Preopojensky is a sacred place for the Russian Royal House: The novel notes the historical significance of the village for the Royal family, with Peter the Great having resided there.
The Russian Orthodox Church has a strong influence on society: The novel portrays the Church’s influence on Russian life and its role in shaping the social and political landscape.
The Russian people are prone to religious fanaticism: The story illustrates the tendency of the Russian people toward religious fervor and fanaticism, which can be easily manipulated and exploited by those seeking power.
The Russian Revolution brought widespread chaos and instability: The novel reflects the turbulent aftermath of the Revolution, with violence, political instability, and the rise of new, often brutal regimes.
The Bolsheviks confiscated property and wealth: The text describes the Bolshevik government seizing land and wealth from the aristocracy and wealthy landowners, a defining characteristic of the revolution.
There is widespread poverty and hunger in Russia: The novel reflects the dire economic conditions in post-revolutionary Russia, with food shortages and rampant poverty.
The “Cheka” (the Bolshevik secret police) is a powerful force in Russia: The text shows the brutality and ruthlessness of the Cheka, highlighting its role in suppressing dissent and maintaining control.
The Bolsheviks implemented a system of tickets for food and other essentials: The novel portrays the system of ration tickets used by the Bolsheviks to control access to basic necessities.
The Bolsheviks used violence and terror to maintain power: The story depicts the Bolshevik government’s use of execution, torture, and other forms of violence to silence opposition and consolidate power.
The Bolsheviks sought to abolish religion and traditional beliefs: The novel shows the Bolshevik regime’s attempts to suppress religion and replace it with a secular ideology.
The Red Army was organized to enforce the Bolshevik regime: The text portrays the Red Army as a powerful force used to enforce the Bolshevik government’s policies.
The Bolsheviks used political intrigue and manipulation: The novel highlights the Bolshevik regime’s use of deception, propaganda, and manipulation to consolidate power and suppress opposition.
The Soviet Union was a closed country under the Bolsheviks: The story emphasizes the difficulty of escaping the country, reflecting the totalitarian nature of the Bolshevik regime.

Statistics:

Ten million roubles: The amount of money Cherry Bim attempted to steal from the Treasurer-General of the Soviet.
Twenty thousand roubles (two thousand pounds): The amount of money Boolba promised Cherry Bim to assassinate the Grand Duke.
Twenty thousand dollars: The amount of money Cherry Bim and Issy Moskava stole in Petrograd, representing a significant sum at the time.
One hundred roubles: The amount of money Prince Dalgoursky earned selling newspapers, highlighting the dire economic conditions in Moscow.
Three weeks: The amount of time the Grand Duke had been dead before Irene learned of his demise.
Thirty years: The length of time a bride would be unlucky if she put on her own stockings, a Russian superstition.
A thousand pounds: The value of each Bank of England note found in the “Book of All-Power.”

Terms:

Dudushka: Little grandfather – a term of respect used for older men in Russia.
Gospodar: Master, lord – a title of respect used for men of authority.
Kaziomne: Belonging to the Czar, a term emphasizing the Grand Duchess’s position as a royal.
Zaprestcheno: Forbidden – a common Russian phrase used to emphasize the sanctity of the Grand Duchess’s person.
Buffetschek: A male server, usually employed by a noble household.
Moujik: A peasant farmer, often used as a derogatory term for someone unsophisticated.
Podyasde: A platform or area, often outside a building.
Boorjoo: A derogatory term used by communists for members of the bourgeoisie, or upper class.
Prikazeno: Ordered, a term used to emphasize the authority of an order.
Stoi: Stop – a common Russian command.

Examples:

The pogrom in Kieff: The incident where Israel Kensky rescues the young Grand Duchess from a mob of soldiers illustrates the dangers of antisemitism and the violence of the time.
The death of Ivan Nickolovitch: The death of the peasant who threw a stone at Kensky, attributed to witchcraft, highlights the prevalent belief in the supernatural and the power of superstition.
Boolba’s blind rage: Boolba’s obsession with the “Book of All-Power” and his cruelty toward those who oppose him illustrate the dangers of unchecked ambition and vengeance.
Cherry Bim’s escape from prison: The American gun-man’s clever escape from the Moscow prison showcases his resourcefulness and his skills in handling weapons.
The raid on Petroff’s house: The attempt by the Soviet forces to arrest Petroff, Irene, and Kensky demonstrates the ever-present threat of the Bolshevik government and the dangers of association with the old regime.
The “red” wedding: Boolba’s decision to marry Irene in his butler’s livery, forcing her to wear a red dress, symbolizes his triumph over the aristocracy and his desire to humiliate her.
The death of the priest: The execution of the priest by the Bolsheviks highlights the regime’s brutality and indifference to human life.
The use of the “Book of All-Power” as money: Kensky’s use of the book to hide his wealth showcases the resourcefulness and the extent to which people will go to protect their money.

Conclusion:

“The Book of All-Power” is a gripping tale of intrigue, betrayal, and violence, set against the backdrop of a country in turmoil. Edgar Wallace masterfully crafts a world of superstition and ambition, where the lines between good and evil are blurred. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the destructive potential of greed and vengeance. While the “Book of All-Power” remains a mythical object, it represents the enduring allure of power and the lengths people will go to achieve it. Despite the grim backdrop of revolution, the story ultimately offers a glimmer of hope, with the possibility of love and redemption emerging from the chaos.

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