In the first of his six Palliser novels, Trollope deftly explores the tensions in Victorian society between reform and tradition, and the interplay between money, power, and politics. Dinah Birch's lively introduction discusses the relationships at the heart of the novel and shows how issues of gender, social and economic change, and politics clarify the novel's place in contemporary life. The edition reflects recent critical revaluations of Trollope's significance as a major novelist, including the influence of the new economic criticism, and new interests in Victorian liberalism. The book includes an updated critical bibliography and explanatory notes that elucidate cultural, literary, and political allusions.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.