Anthony Trollope is one of the most celebrated novelists of the Victorian era, renowned for his keen social insights, intricate plotting, and memorable characters. His extensive body of work includes numerous novels that explore themes of politics, marriage, social mobility, and morality. For readers interested in immersing themselves in Trollope’s literary universe, understanding the chronological order of his works can enhance the reading experience. In this guide, we will explore the Anthony Trollope books in order, providing a comprehensive overview of his major novels, series, and their publication sequences.
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Understanding Anthony Trollope’s Literary Timeline
Anthony Trollope’s writing career spanned over three decades, beginning in the 1850s and continuing until the late 1880s. His works are often grouped into several series and standalone novels, many of which are set within specific social or geographical contexts.
Key points to consider:
- Trollope’s novels are primarily set in Victorian England.
- His most famous series include the Barsetshire series and the Palliser series.
- Many of his works are interconnected, with recurring characters and settings.
- The chronological order of publication often aligns closely with the internal chronology of the stories, but some novels can be read independently.
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Major Series and Their Chronological Order
To better understand Anthony Trollope’s literary universe, it’s helpful to organize his novels according to series and publication date. Below are the principal series, followed by standalone novels.
1. The Chronicles of Barsetshire
The Barsetshire series is perhaps Trollope’s most beloved collection, centered around the ecclesiastical and social life in the fictional county of Barsetshire. These novels showcase his mastery of character development and social commentary.
Publication Order / Chronological Order:
- The Warden (1855): Introduces the town of Barchester and its cathedral, focusing on the moral dilemmas faced by the cathedral warden.
- Barchester Towers (1857): Continues the story of Barchester’s clergy, politics, and social conflicts.
- Doctor Thorne (1858): Follows the Thorne family and explores themes of social class and love.
- The Bertrams (1859): Focuses on the Bertram family and the social ambitions of their daughter, Grace.
- Doctor Thorne (1858): Part of the series; sometimes considered standalone but chronologically fits here.
- Framley Parsonage (1861): Features the character of the Reverend Mark Robarts and the town’s political and personal intrigues.
- The Small House at Allington (1864): Details the lives of the residents of Allington village, focusing on love and social mobility.
- The Last Chronicle of Barset (1867): Concludes the series with church and social reform themes.
Note: While these novels can be read independently, reading them in chronological order provides a richer understanding of character development and the evolving social landscape.
2. The Palliser (Political) Series
This series delves into political life and the intricacies of Parliament, focusing on the Pallisers, a noble family involved in politics and society.
Publication Order / Chronological Order:
- Phineas Finn (1867): Follows the career of Phineas Finn, a Liberal politician, and explores political corruption and personal ambition.
- Rachel Ray (1863): Focuses on the life of a young woman navigating Victorian society, love, and independence. Sometimes considered a standalone but relevant to the series’ themes.
- The Prime Minister (1876): Centers on the political career of Plantagenet Palliser, the future Prime Minister.
- The Duke’s Children (1879): Explores the personal life and marriage of Lord Silverbridge Palliser.
Note: The series also includes other novels with overlapping characters, and reading in order enhances the understanding of the political and social developments.
3. Standalone Novels
Beyond his series, Trollope authored numerous standalone novels that can be read independently, offering diverse perspectives on Victorian life.
Some notable standalone works include:
- The Way We Live Now (1875): A satirical critique of Victorian society, finance, and politics.
- Can You Forgive Her? (1864): Explores complex romantic relationships and moral dilemmas.
- He Knew He Was Right (1869): A tragic story of obsession and misunderstanding.
- The Claverings (1866): Focuses on marriage, social class, and personal integrity.
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Reading Order Recommendations
For those new to Anthony Trollope, the following reading order can provide a satisfying and coherent introduction:
Suggested Starting Point:
- The Warden — Introduces Trollope’s style and the fictional setting of Barsetshire.
- Barchester Towers — Continues the themes and characters introduced earlier.
- Doctor Thorne — Offers engaging characters and social commentary, and can stand alone or be read after the first two.
- Framley Parsonage — Expands on the series with political and social themes.
- The Small House at Allington — Focuses on love and social mobility in a rural setting.
- The Prime Minister — To explore the political side of Trollope’s work.
- The Way We Live Now — A standalone masterpiece to understand Trollope’s satirical edge.
Tip: Since many of his novels are interconnected, reading them in order of publication or internal chronology can deepen appreciation, but each can also be enjoyed independently.
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Additional Resources for Readers
To enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Anthony Trollope’s works, consider the following:
- Annotated Editions: Look for editions that provide context about Victorian society and Trollope’s life.
- Biographies: Reading about Trollope’s life can offer insights into his writing process and themes.
- Online Libraries: Many of Trollope’s works are available for free on platforms like Project Gutenberg.
- Literary Analyses: Scholarly articles and books that analyze his major series and themes.
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Conclusion
Understanding the Anthony Trollope books in order opens the door to a rich Victorian literary landscape filled with compelling characters, intricate plots, and insightful social commentary. Whether you choose to follow the chronological sequence, explore series in publication order, or pick standalone novels that appeal to your interests, Trollope’s works promise a rewarding journey through 19th-century England. Embrace the chronological approach to fully appreciate the interconnectedness of his characters and themes, or select individual novels to enjoy their standalone brilliance. Whichever path you choose, Trollope’s novels stand as enduring classics that continue to resonate with readers today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended reading order for Anthony Trollope's books?
The most popular sequence is to read Trollope's 'Chronicles of Barsetshire' series in order: starting with 'The Warden', then 'Barchester Towers', 'Doctor Thorne', 'Framley Parsonage', 'The Small House at Allington', 'The Last Chronicle of Barset', followed by the 'Palliser' series. Many readers also enjoy reading his standalone novels in publication order.
Which Anthony Trollope book should I start with if I want an introduction to his work?
A great starting point is 'The Warden' (1855), the first of the Barsetshire series, as it introduces Trollope's themes, setting, and characters, providing a solid foundation for exploring his other works.
Are Trollope's books part of a series or standalone novels?
Many of Trollope's books are part of interconnected series, notably the 'Chronicles of Barsetshire' and the 'Palliser' series. He also wrote standalone novels, but reading the series in order helps understand character development and recurring themes.
How do I read Trollope's books in chronological order of publication?
To read in publication order, start with 'The Warden' (1855), followed by 'Barchester Towers' (1857), 'Doctor Thorne' (1858), 'Framley Parsonage' (1861), 'The Small House at Allington' (1862), 'The Last Chronicle of Barset' (1867), and then proceed to the Palliser series starting with 'Can You Forgive Her?' (1864).
Which Trollope books are essential for understanding his literary style?
Key books include 'The Warden', 'Barchester Towers', and 'Can You Forgive Her?'. These works showcase his detailed characterizations, social commentary, and mastery of the Victorian novel form.
Are there any recommended reading guides for ordering Anthony Trollope's books?
Yes, many literary guides suggest reading Trollope's works chronologically or by series order. Websites like the Project Gutenberg or literary blogs often provide recommended reading sequences to enhance understanding of his development as an author.
What are the main themes explored in Trollope's books in order?
Trollope's books often explore themes of social class, morality, politics, marriage, and human nature, with his series providing a comprehensive view of Victorian society.
Can I read Anthony Trollope's standalone novels without reading his series first?
Yes, Trollope's standalone novels can be enjoyed independently, but reading his series first offers richer context and a deeper appreciation of recurring characters and settings.
Where can I find Anthony Trollope's books in order online or in print?
Many of Trollope's works are available for free on platforms like Project Gutenberg. Commercial editions often organize his books in recommended reading orders, and libraries or bookstores may offer collections of his series for easier reading.
