This novel revolves around Mr. Ernest Bliss, a rich young man of twenty-five. His life revolves around parties and making merry. When his digestion becomes irritated by this way of life, he visits a doctor, Sir James Aldroyd because he feels out of sorts. The physician asked him a series of questions. Bliss informs Sir James he does nothing because he is wealthy and inherited from both his father and uncle. The doctor tells him that if wishes to enjoy good health, he must completely change his manner of living. The doctor asks him to get a real job. When the doctor refuses to shake his hand, Bliss screams angrily that he could leave that day in an old suit with five pounds in his pocket and make an honest living for a year. If he fails, he promises to pay for the construction of a new hospital. With that, the spoiled young man embarks on an adventure that will never take him outside of London but will expose him to the struggles of ordinary people to survive.