Tono-Bungay by H. G. Wells. Short summary

5 seconds

Student George Ponderwo helps his uncle sell his patented cure for all diseases, Tono-Benge. But Uncle Edward’s business empire collapses, and he himself dies of pneumonia.

1 minute

George Pondervo is a research student. His ambitious Uncle Edward convinces him to start selling stimulants under the guise of a patented cure for all diseases, Tono-Benge. George dedicates seven years to this business of organizing the production and sale of the drug.

George is a skeptic about religion. His association with an evangelical cousin led him to it. He also shares socialist views. Therefore, he considers his occupation «cursed.»

Sales of the drug grow and new opportunities open up for George. He gradually withdraws from the business, but his uncle becomes an influential financier. Suddenly his business empire collapses.

George tries to save his uncle’s fortune, and even tries to steal a radioactive compound off the coast of West Africa to do so, but fails. He then arranges for his uncle to escape from England in an experimental airplane he has built. But his uncle falls ill with pneumonia and dies near Bordeaux.

George is busy making submarine destroyers.