"A Hungarian Nabob" is a novel set in 19th-century Hungary during a period of heavy rainfall and flooding. The novel follows the story of Mr. Peter Bús, an innkeeper and farmer. As he grumbles about his difficult life, a carriage arrives at his inn, carrying a wealthy Nabob, a term used to describe a European who made their fortune in India during the British Raj. The Nabob is accompanied by his daughter, who is seeking a husband. The story follows the fortunes of Nabob and his daughter as they navigate Hungarian society, encountering a range of characters and experiencing various adventures.

It is nasty, dirty weather outside there on the puszta;1 the sky is cloudy, the earth muddy, the rain has been falling for two weeks incessantly, as if by special command. There are inundations and submersions everywhere; rushes are growing instead of wheat, the stork is ploughing, the duck is fishing all over the precious sea-like expanse. "This judgment weather began on St. Medardus' Day, and will last now for forty days longer, but if it does last, I know not where we are to find the Noah to save man and beast from a partial deluge."