Introduction

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Young Tom Andrews, a small-time smuggler in Dorset, escapes the hangman’s noose only to find himself shanghaied onto a privateering ship. The ship plunders its way across the Caribbean, before he and crewmate, part Carib freeman, Joseph, flee to America carrying illicitly obtained booty. They prosper in the vile corruptness of New York - a town destined to be on the losing side in the Revolutionary War. Betrayed and forced to return to England, they seek riches in the early industrial boom. Their shady deals and dubious acquisitions in coal, iron and cotton yield great wealth. Tom relishes the money, but also secretly yearns for love and social acceptance. His hopes rise on meeting the beautiful daughter of an impoverished aristocrat.