Lord Lister No. 0383: De Fabrieksbaas

About this book

"Lord Lister No. 0383: De Fabrieksbaas" by Matull, Blankensee, and Hageman is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story introduces a mysterious old man who appears to be giving away large sums of money to various charitable institutions in London, garnering attention and curiosity. Beneath this guise, the narrative unfolds themes of social justice and revenge, as the enigmatic character, known as Raffles, seems to be connected to deeper societal issues involving workers' rights and personal vendettas. At the start of the story, the actions of the elderly man, described as both secretive and generous, catch the eye of Londoners as he distributes £500 notes without any expectation of gratitude or acknowledgment. His subsequent encounters with the charity directors reveal hints of his past and his true motives. In a key scene, he meets Jim Macloed, a factory foreman unjustly fired by his employer, Arthur Bates, amid unrest amongst the workers. The opening thus establishes a foundation for a plot woven around themes of honor, moral duty, and social upheaval, suggesting that Raffles' involvement with the community may lead to significant consequences for those who exploit the vulnerable.