"Thanks to the extraordinary storytelling gifts of Anthony Trollope, a tale of trifling power struggles among the clergy in a fictional cathedral town is transformed into a hilarious romp. One of the most popular of the prolific Victorian author's novels, Barchester Towers abounds in lively characterizations and ironic observations that combine comedy with keen social and psychological insights"--
Power struggles among the clergy in a fictional cathedral town form the basis for this hilarious romp in which lively characterizations and ironic observations combine comedy with keen social and psychological insights.
A new bishop arrives in the fictional cathedral town of Barchester, launching a comical battle for ascendancy among the local clergymen and their dependents. Dr. Proudie, the newly appointed bishop, brings two powerful allies: Mrs. Proudie, the outspoken power behind the ecclesiastical throne, and a scheming chaplain, the odious Obadiah Slope. Anthony Trollope's novel satirizes Anglican Church infighting during the 1850s between "low church" reformers and "high church" conservatives. Trollope's ironic observations and keen social and psychological insights combine to form a tale with timeless appeal.
There are many ways to approache the prolific Victorian author's 47 novels, and
Barchester Towers is among the best as an introduction. The success of its predecessor,
The Warden, inspired Trollope to return to Barchester for the next in what ultimately became a series of six related novels. Rich in humor, wisdom, and memorable characters, this volume offers a captivating portrait of provincial life in 19th-century England.
