Another book identification thread.

[MiddleAgeMiddleEngland]

I read a lot of 'classics' among other things, and remember reading a book years ago which I can't remember the author or title of. Can anyone help?

The plot centres around a group of painters and decoraters and there's a lot about them swindling the house owners, putting on less coats of paint, etc. It's set perhaps in the 19th century, certainly not a modern book.

I somehow think it might be by George Gissing, but really don't know.

Does it ring any bells? Thank you in advance

Ragged Trousered Philanthropists?

Hmm. I would originally said no, but having read a couple of reviews of RTP, I think that maybe that's the one. I'll get a copy and see.

Oddly for me, I don't remember reading such a well-known book!

Thank you.