The Research Magnificent

The Research Magnificent is a 1915 novel by H. G. Wells. William Porphyry Benham inherits a lot of money so that he doesn't have to work. He wants to live the 'aristocratic' life and the book follows his dogged pursuit of this idea. Along the way, this idea brings him into conflict with his mother, with his friend, and with his wife, Amanda, a young woman he loves passionately but then leaves behind in England to travel the world (India, Russia, China) in search of wisdom.