Explore the captivating tale of Harry Gordon Selfridge, a trailblazer in the retail industry who left an indelible mark on the world of commerce. Born in America and raised in England, Selfridge opened his first department store on London's Oxford Street in 1909, which would later be known as the ancestor of modern-day department stores. However, a scandalous love affair and gambling addiction led to the squandering of his vast fortune, ultimately resulting in his demise during his struggle against poverty. This legend was immortalized by various influential women, such as Isadora Duncan, the founder of modern dance, who made dance an expression of human body and emotion; and Anna Pavlova, a renowned Russian ballerina, who made significant contributions to the promotion and popularization of ballet. Their lives were intricately woven with Selfridge's, reflecting the vibrant culture and societal changes of their time.