The last novel by Gottfried Keller (1819-1890) remained unfinished and was published in 1886 with a revised ending in Berlin. With this work, Keller turned away from the poetic realism of his earlier works and embraced naturalistic social criticism. The story follows the naive Swiss businessman Martin Salander, who makes a fortune in Brazil but is betrayed out of his money by his friend Wohlwend. Salander's other ventures also prove unsuccessful. His decline seems unstoppable until his son Arnold finally brings him to his senses. In the end, Salander must realize that, compared to Arnold, the representative of a successful, upwardly mobile bourgeoisie, he belongs to a bygone era.