Author Description
'Mr Slope flattered himself that he could out-manoeuvre the lady...he did not doubt of ultimate triumph.' Barchester Towers (1857) was the book that made Trollope's reputation and it remains his most popular and enjoyable novel. The arrival of a new bishop in Barchester, accompanied by his formidable wife and ambitious chaplain, Obadiah Slope, sets the town in turmoil as Archdeacon Grantly declares 'War, war, internecine war!' on Bishop Proudie and his supporters. Who will come out on top in the battle between the archdeacon, the bishop, Mr Slope, and Mrs Proudie? The livelihood of Mr Harding, the saintly hero of The Warden, is once more under threat but clerical warfare finds itself tangled up in the wayward (and sometimes perverse) desires of the many courtships, seductions, and romances of the book. Who will marry Eleanor Bold? Can any man resist the charms of the exotically beautiful 'La Signora Madeline Vesey Neroni'? Will the oily Mr Slope finally get his comeuppance? Trollope's matchless handling of plot and character displays a skill whose distinctive literary qualities are celebrated in this new edition. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range 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, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
The arrival of a new bishop and his ambitious chaplain in the quiet town of Barchester ignites a fierce ecclesiastical power struggle that threatens the established order. The protagonist, Mr. Harding, finds his position and livelihood jeopardized by the machinations of the new administration, specifically the manipulative Obadiah Slope. Opposing him are the entrenched local clergy, led by the formidable Archdeacon Grantly, who views the newcomers as an existential threat to the diocese. The narrative unfolds through a third-person omniscient perspective that observes the social and political maneuvering of the town's inhabitants with sharp, ironic detachment.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Satirical portrayal of Victorian clerical politics and social hierarchies
- Multi-stranded plot lines involving complex romantic entanglements
- Detailed character studies of ambitious and morally ambiguous figures
- Use of irony to expose the hypocrisy of institutional power
- Exploration of the tension between tradition and modern reform
- Focus on the domestic and social lives of the provincial middle and upper classes
- Pacing that balances comedic social observation with serious institutional conflict
- Vivid depiction of the social customs and manners of mid-19th-century England
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics frequently highlight the novel's enduring appeal due to its witty characterizations and the sharp, observational humor directed at the clergy. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the antagonist, Mr. Slope, whose oily ambition serves as a catalyst for the town's social upheaval. Many appreciate the balance Trollope maintains between the high-stakes clerical warfare and the lighter, more personal romantic subplots that weave through the narrative. The atmosphere is often described as both cozy and biting, reflecting a keen understanding of human vanity and social climbing. Readers consistently note that the world-building feels authentic to the period while remaining accessible to modern audiences.
Page Count:
215
Publication Date:
2014-01-01
ISBN-10:
0191643874
ISBN-13:
9780191643873
Humor
Satire
Victorian
English & College Success
Social Commentary
English
Classic Literature
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