Book excerpt: Collected in one omnibus edition are Frank Norris' three most important novels: The Octopus and its sequel The Pit as well as McTeague.The Octopus: A Story of California is a story of cooperate greed power and abuse. A group of wheat farmers agree to work a railway company's land in exchange for assurances that after a ten year period they will be able to purchase the land at a reasonable price. When it comes time for the purchase of the land the railway company decides to go back on its promise and brings all of their power to bear against the farmers in a deceitful and bloody confrontation. Inspired by Southern Pacific Railroad's action in the Mussel Slough Tragedy. The Pit: a Story of Chicago is a story about corruption greed and redemption. Curtis Jadwin a rich and powerful capitalist decides to corner the market on wheat ignoring the misery and pain that this attempt will bring on those who need the crop to survive. Ultimately he has no idea how much this attempt will cost him and what it will take to find redemption.McTeague: A Story of San Francisco is a novel about love obsession murder and greed. McTeague a young dentist becomes obsessed with Trina one of his patients. The pair eventually marry and descend together into depravity and moral decay. A powerful harrowing book.