Merrick Leonard (1864 - 1935) was a British dramatist, actor, and novelist. A Daughter of the Philistines gives a glimpse into the society of New York as well as the dealings of New York's Wall Street. Merrick portrays the demoralizations of Wall Street and how it eroded domestic life. The Philistines are those with new money. The daughter falls in love with a man of quality and that will save her.