A conspiracy of paper a novel by David Liss

This compilation presents excerpts from "A Conspiracy of Paper: A Novel" by David Liss, a work of historical fiction set in 18th-century London. The text introduces Benjamin Weaver, a former pugilist and Jewish "information broker" navigating a complex world of finance, betrayal, and social prejudice. Weaver is hired to investigate the mysterious deaths of two wealthy men, including his own estranged father, which appear connected to the volatile stock market and the powerful South Sea Company. The narrative follows Weaver's challenging inquiries, his strained relationship with his family, particularly his uncle and cousin Miriam, and his confrontations with dangerous figures like Jonathan Wild and Perceval Bloathwait. The excerpts reveal Weaver's internal conflicts, his identity as a Jew in a hostile society, and his evolving understanding of truth, justice, and personal responsibility amidst a backdrop of financial speculation and deceit.