Anthony Trollope

Anthony Trollope was a renowned English novelist of the Victorian era, known for his insightful depiction of the social and political issues of his time. Among his most famous works are the series of novels known as the 'Chronicles of Barsetshire' and the 'Palliser' series. Trollope's writing is characterized by its realism, complex characters, and keen observations of contemporary society.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Way We Live Now

    The book is a satirical analysis of the moral corruption in London during the 1870s. It centers around Augustus Melmotte, a fraudulent financier, who moves his family to London in an attempt to climb the social ladder. His daughter, Marie, falls in love with Sir Felix Carbury, a penniless playboy, while his wife is desperate to be accepted into London society. The book explores themes of wealth, power, love, and greed, and is a biting critique of the era's obsession with status and money.

  2. 2. Barchester Towers

    "Barchester Towers" is a satirical novel that explores the power struggles within the church and aristocracy of a fictional English cathedral town. The story centers around an ecclesiastical power struggle following the death of the Bishop of Barchester, with the bishop's son, Archdeacon Grantly, and a newly appointed bishop, Dr. Proudie, vying for control. The novel also follows the romantic endeavors of Eleanor Bold, a young widow who becomes the object of affection for multiple suitors. The narrative is filled with political maneuvering, social intrigue, and commentary on Victorian society.

  3. 3. The Last Chronicle of Barset

    The novel is the final installment in a series set in the fictional English county of Barsetshire, focusing on a clergyman accused of stealing a cheque, a crime he did not commit. The story explores the scandal's impact on his family and the community, his struggle to maintain his innocence, and the efforts of a local archdeacon to clear his name. The narrative also intertwines several romantic subplots, including the courtship of the clergyman's daughter by a man of higher social status.

  4. 4. Phineas Finn

    "Phineas Finn" is a novel about a young Irishman who moves to London to become a politician. Despite his lack of experience, he quickly rises in the ranks due to his charm and charisma. However, he struggles to balance his political career with his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships with several women. As he navigates the complex world of politics, he must also grapple with moral dilemmas and the consequences of his actions.

  5. 5. The Warden

    The novel presents the moral dilemma of Reverend Septimus Harding, who finds himself at the center of a legal and moral controversy. He serves as the warden of Hiram's Hospital, an almshouse supported by a medieval charitable bequest. When the legitimacy of his income from a charity is questioned, he must decide whether to keep his comfortable position at the possible cost of his integrity. The novel explores themes of power, greed, and morality.

  6. 6. The Eustace Diamonds

    "The Eustace Diamonds" is an engaging tale of romance and deceit, centered around a beautiful and cunning widow who comes into possession of a priceless diamond necklace. She claims it was a gift from her late husband, but her husband's family insists it is a family heirloom and should be returned. As the dispute escalates, the necklace is stolen under mysterious circumstances, leading to a thrilling investigation filled with unexpected twists and turns. The novel explores themes of wealth, social status, morality, and the power of manipulation.

  7. 7. An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope

    This book is an autobiography of a renowned 19th-century British novelist, known for his insightful and detailed depiction of the social, political, and gender issues of his time. The author shares his personal journey, from his difficult childhood and struggles in early adulthood to his eventual success as a writer. He also provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at his writing process and the inspiration behind his most famous works. The autobiography offers a unique perspective on the Victorian era and its literary scene.

  8. 8. Orley Farm

    The novel revolves around a legal battle over the titular estate, where Lady Mason is accused of forging a codicil to her late husband's will to ensure her son inherits Orley Farm. The story delves into the complexities of the English legal system, the social dynamics of 19th-century England, and the moral dilemmas faced by Lady Mason and those around her. As the case unfolds, characters grapple with issues of justice, love, and societal expectations, leading to a rich tapestry of human emotion and legal intrigue. The narrative examines the impact of the case on all involved, raising questions about the true nature of right and wrong.

  9. 9. The Chronicles of Barsetshire

    "The Chronicles of Barsetshire" is a series of six novels set in the fictitious English county of Barsetshire, revolving around the dealings and social intrigues of the Anglican clergy and the landed gentry. The series intricately explores the relationships, the love affairs, the ambitions, and the moral dilemmas of a multitude of characters, often with a good dose of satirical humor. The novels also delve into the politics of the church and the social issues of the time, providing a detailed and often critical portrait of Victorian-era society.

  10. 10. Framley Parsonage

    The novel revolves around the young vicar of Framley, Mark Robarts, who lives a comfortable life with his wife and children. Ambitious and socially aspiring, Mark is drawn into the dangerous world of loans and debt by a disreputable Member of Parliament, leading to a crisis of reputation and finances. Meanwhile, the narrative also follows the romantic entanglements of Mark's sister Lucy with the wealthy but unsuitable Lord Lufton, and the societal pressures and expectations that come with such relationships. Set against the backdrop of rural 19th-century England, the story explores themes of social status, integrity, and the complexities of human relationships within the framework of Victorian society.

  11. 11. The Small House At Allington

    The novel revolves around the lives of the Dale family, particularly the two sisters, Lily and Bell, who live with their widowed mother and uncle at a modest country house. The central plot follows Lily Dale's romantic entanglement with the charming but unreliable Adolphus Crosbie, who initially proposes to her but later abandons her for a more advantageous marriage. The story also explores themes of love, duty, and social class as it delves into the romantic pursuits of the other characters, including Bell's suitor, Dr. Crofts, and the struggles of the squire, Mr. Dale, to maintain his family's traditional way of life in the face of changing times. The novel is a poignant examination of heartbreak, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships within the framework of Victorian society.

  12. 12. Can You Forgive Her?

    The novel revolves around the complex emotional dilemmas of its protagonist, a young woman torn between the expectations of society and her own desires. She is engaged to a kind but unexciting man, yet she yearns for the excitement and passion offered by another, more volatile suitor. Her internal struggle is mirrored by the romantic entanglements of her cousin and his wife, who face their own set of social and financial challenges. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the narrative delves into themes of love, marriage, wealth, and the constraints imposed on women by societal norms, as the characters navigate the intricate web of their relationships and seek to reconcile their actions with their consciences.

  13. 13. Phineas Redux

    In this sequel to a previous political novel, the protagonist returns to the treacherous world of British parliamentary politics after suffering personal and financial losses. He regains his seat in the House of Commons, but his life is further complicated by a turbulent love affair and a false accusation of murder. As he navigates the intricate social and political landscape, he must clear his name and restore his reputation amidst the backdrop of power struggles, loyalty, and Victorian society's expectations. The novel explores themes of redemption, resilience, and the complexities of public and private life.

  14. 14. The Prime Minister

    The novel in question is a political drama set in the Victorian era, revolving around the ascent of an unlikely English Prime Minister who comes from a background of wealth but lacks political experience. His rise to power is met with a mix of skepticism and support, as he navigates the complex corridors of London's high society and political intrigue. The story also delves into his personal life, exploring his marriage and the impact of his political ambitions on his relationships. As he grapples with the challenges of governance and ethics, the novel portrays a rich tapestry of characters and the intricate dynamics of power, ambition, and morality in the political sphere.

  15. 15. The Duke's Children

    In this Victorian-era novel, a widowed duke faces the challenges of parenthood alone, struggling with the rebellious paths of his three adult children. The duke's son defies his father's wishes by pursuing a politically and socially unsuitable marriage, while his daughters also seek love and happiness in ways that clash with their father's conservative values. The narrative delves into themes of family duty, generational conflict, and the evolving social mores of the time, as the duke learns to reconcile his own strict principles with his children's desires for independence and fulfillment.

  16. 16. Doctor Thorne

    The novel revolves around the life of the eponymous country doctor and his niece, Mary Thorne, who grows up alongside the wealthy Gresham family, falling in love with the son, Frank Gresham. However, Mary's illegitimate birth and lack of fortune present obstacles to their union. The story explores themes of social class and morality, as Doctor Thorne holds a secret that could change Mary's fortunes and the Gresham family's financial woes. As the characters navigate the rigid structures of Victorian society, the novel delves into the complexities of inheritance, love, and the pursuit of happiness, ultimately questioning the true value of money and status.