Author
Anthony Trollope
1815-1882
Anthony Trollope (1815-1882) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Anthony Trollope
An Old Man's Love
"An Old Man's Love" by Anthony Trollope is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story revolves around Mr. William Whittlestaff, a man of fifty who is contemplating his life and responsibilities, particularly concerning Mary Lawrie, a young woman whom he has taken into his home following the death of her stepmother. The book explores themes of love, age, social expectations, and the complexities of human relationships. The opening of the novel introduces us to Mr. Whittlestaff at his country estate in Hampshire, where he reflects on a letter concerning Mary Lawrie's future. The letter informs him of her dire situation after her stepmother's passing, as she is left with the burden of becoming a governess despite being unprepared for it. Mr. Whittlestaff wrestles with his feelings and thoughts about bringing Mary into his household as a daughter or perhaps something more, revealing his internal conflict about age, attraction, and the societal norms that come into play. As he ultimately decides to invite Mary to live with him, the dynamic between Mr. Whittlestaff and the young woman becomes central, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of their intertwined fates.
The Small House at Allington
"The Small House at Allington" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published in 1864. It follows the Dale sisters, Lily and Bell, who live in modest circumstances on their uncle's estate. When charming London gentleman Adolphus Crosbie visits and proposes to Lily, their future seems bright. But social ambition and class pressures lead to heartbreak and betrayal. Meanwhile, devoted Johnny Eames hopes to win Lily's affection despite her shattered heart. This fifth Chronicle of Barsetshire explores love, loyalty, and the painful consequences of choosing status over genuine feeling.
The Life of Cicero, Volume One
"The Life of Cicero, Volume One" by Anthony Trollope is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This biography explores the life and contributions of Marcus Tullius Cicero, the renowned Roman orator, philosopher, and statesman, seeking to articulate the complexities of his character and the tumultuous era in which he lived. Trollope aims to present Cicero not just as a prominent literary figure but also as a man of significant moral and political stature. The opening of this biography begins with Trollope reflecting on his motivation for undertaking the project, demonstrating a profound admiration for Cicero's character, virtues, and intellect. He acknowledges the skepticism surrounding Cicero's patriotism and strength of character, and he takes it upon himself to champion Cicero's legacy against criticisms from contemporary and historical figures. Trollope emphasizes the crucial role Cicero played during a transformative period in Rome's history, filled with conflict and political intrigue. He introduces Cicero's early education and the foundational influences that shaped him, hinting at the intricate interplay between his personal aspirations and the broader socio-political landscape of ancient Rome that defines his life story.
An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope
"An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope" by Anthony Trollope is an autobiographical account written in the late 19th century. This reflective memoir delves into the life of the author himself, tracing his journey through early hardships, education, and eventual success in the world of literature and public service. The memoir provides insights into Trollope's familial relationships, particularly the influence of his parents, along with candid observations on his feelings of inadequacy and social isolation during his formative years. At the start of the autobiography, Trollope introduces himself as a seemingly insignificant figure, aiming to share not only his life story but also the broader implications of a literary career. He reflects on his difficult boyhood marked by poverty and the challenges faced within educational settings, emphasizing the lack of support from peers and educators. His narrative begins with his early years and schooling, detailing the struggles and societal pressures he encountered. As he recalls his family's deteriorating financial situation and personal hardships, Trollope sets the stage for the evolution of his character and aspirations, ultimately revealing his determination to pursue writing as both a vocation and a means to achieve stability.
The Way We Live Now
"The Way We Live Now" by Anthony Trollope is a satirical novel published in 1875. Inspired by financial scandals of the early 1870s, it exposes the greed and dishonesty pervading Victorian commercial and political life. The story centers on Augustus Melmotte, a mysterious financier who arrives in London with grand ambitions. His railway scheme entangles aristocrats, a dissolute baronet pursuing Melmotte's daughter for her fortune, and various others whose lives become dangerously intertwined with his corrupt enterprise. Trollope's longest work dramatizes moral corruption across all levels of society.
Barchester Towers
"Barchester Towers" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published in 1857. When the beloved bishop dies, a power struggle erupts in the cathedral city of Barchester. The evangelical Bishop Proudie arrives with his domineering wife and scheming chaplain Mr. Slope, who all clash with the established clergy. Romantic entanglements, social maneuvering, and misunderstandings complicate matters as characters vie for position and love. This satirical portrait of Victorian clerical life explores ambition, marriage, and the collision between old and new religious sensibilities.
He Knew He Was Right
"He Knew He Was Right" by Anthony Trollope is a novel written in 1869. A marriage crumbles when a wealthy husband's jealousy over his wife's innocent friendship spirals into obsession. His wife's stubborn refusal to submit to his unreasonable demands drives them further apart, leading to separation and madness. Meanwhile, romantic entanglements unfold among their friends and relatives, as suitors compete and families scheme. Trollope weaves multiple interwoven stories of love, pride, and the devastating consequences of inflexibility in this exploration of Victorian marriage and society.
Doctor Thorne
"Doctor Thorne" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published in 1858. It tells the story of Mary Thorne, a young woman of mysterious parentage raised by her uncle, a country doctor. When she falls in love with Frank Gresham, heir to the local estate, their union seems impossible—his family needs him to marry wealth, and Mary is penniless. Meanwhile, secret connections between the families and a complex web of debts threaten to determine everyone's fate in unexpected ways.
Framley Parsonage
"Framley Parsonage" by Anthony Trollope is a novel first published in serial form in 1860. The story follows Mark Robarts, a young vicar who rashly guarantees a loan he cannot afford, leading to public disgrace. Meanwhile, his sister Lucy falls in love with Lord Lufton, whose mother opposes their union due to Lucy's lower social standing. Set in rural Barsetshire, the novel weaves together romantic entanglements, social ambition, and the clash between personal desires and societal expectations in Victorian England.
The Last Chronicle of Barset
"The Last Chronicle of Barset" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published in 1867. As the final installment in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series, it centers on Reverend Josiah Crawley, an impoverished clergyman accused of stealing a mysterious cheque. The accusation divides the community, with powerful figures like Mrs. Proudie declaring him guilty. As Crawley struggles with poverty and uncertainty about his own innocence, his daughter's romance faces obstacles due to class prejudice. The novel weaves multiple storylines while exploring themes of morality, social hierarchy, and the changing Victorian era.
The Three Clerks
"The Three Clerks" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published in 1857, drawing on Trollope's experiences as a junior clerk in the General Post Office. Three civil servants navigate ambition, romance, and moral compromise in Victorian England. Two friends compete for the same woman while rising through bureaucratic ranks. One falls under the influence of an unscrupulous politician, leading to schemes of dubious legality. Meanwhile, a rakish younger clerk pursues redemption and love while torn between two women and two worlds.
The Prime Minister
"The Prime Minister" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published in 1876. When political deadlock forces a fragile coalition government, the Duke of Omnium reluctantly becomes Prime Minister. As he struggles with leadership and his government's inability to act, his wife's well-meaning interference triggers a scandal involving a charming but treacherous financial adventurer. This fifth Palliser novel weaves together the challenges of political power with personal choices, marriage, and honor in Victorian England.
The Warden
"The Warden" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published in 1855. Mr. Septimus Harding, a gentle clergyman, finds his peaceful life shattered when a young reformer questions whether his comfortable income as warden of a charitable almshouse is morally justified. As newspapers attack his character and legal battles loom, Harding must choose between defending his position and following his conscience—even as his daughter's romance becomes entangled in the controversy.
Can You Forgive Her?
"Can You Forgive Her?" by Anthony Trollope is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story begins with Alice Vavasor, a young woman navigating her relationships and social standing amidst family expectations and personal desires. The novel explores themes of love, duty, and the consequences of choices as Alice grapples with her engagement to the respectable John Grey while her past with her wild cousin George Vavasor complicates her present. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Alice Vavasor, who is living with her father in London after a complicated upbringing that connects her to a prominent family yet leaves her feeling somewhat isolated. Alice's life is depicted as one of tension, particularly in her impending marriage to John Grey, a man of good character, and her tumultuous relationship with George, whom she was once engaged to but had abandoned due to his reckless nature. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for Alice's internal conflicts about loyalty, ambition, and romantic entanglements, as she navigates expectations from both her family and society while trying to define her own identity and desires.
The Eustace Diamonds
"The Eustace Diamonds" by Anthony Trollope is a novel serialized between 1871 and 1873. Beautiful widow Lizzie Eustace refuses to surrender a valuable diamond necklace she claims her late husband gave her, sparking a legal battle with his family. A pathological liar with romantic fantasies, Lizzie searches for a new husband while clinging to the contested jewels. When the diamonds are stolen under mysterious circumstances, Lizzie's deceptions multiply, drawing suspicion from police and suitors alike in this tale of theft, lies, and social intrigue.
The Life of Cicero, Volume II.
"The Life of Cicero, Volume II" by Anthony Trollope is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume focuses on the life and political career of the Roman orator and statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero, detailing pivotal moments from his return from exile to various political conflicts, showing his evolving relationship with contemporaries like Pompey and Caesar. The opening of the book discusses the period following Cicero's return from exile and his subsequent dealings in Roman politics. It highlights the plethora of speeches he made that demonstrated both his oratorical prowess and his personal grievances, particularly against adversaries like Piso and Gabinius. The text vividly illustrates Cicero's complex character, revealing his pride, deep love for his daughter Tullia, and ambitions within the tumultuous political landscape of Rome, setting the stage for the intrigues and challenges he faced in the years that followed.
La Vendée
"La Vendée" by Anthony Trollope is a historical romance written during the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, focusing on the experiences of royalist supporters in the Vendée region. It centers upon characters such as M. de Lescure and Henri de Larochejaquelin, who are deeply embroiled in the conflict as they seek to restore the monarchy amidst the chaos of revolutionary fervor. The opening of "La Vendée" presents the dire state of France in 1792, detailing the aftermath of the King’s overthrow and the rising revolutionary sentiments in Paris. We meet a group of royalist youths, known as the Poitevins, who gather in support of their imprisoned King Louis XVI and strive to organize resistance against the republicans. Notably, M. de Lescure is introduced as a compassionate yet brave leader, alongside the impetuous Henri de Larochejaquelin, who is driven by a passionate loyalty to the monarchy. Tensions are palpable as royalists react to increasingly oppressive sentiments, and the chapter culminates in the urgency felt by these young men to act in their King’s defense, setting the stage for the impending civil conflict in the Vendée.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Anthony Trollope
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Anthony Trollope" by Anthony Trollope is a reference work created to catalog the author's various literary contributions. Written in the late 20th century, it serves as an essential guide for readers interested in exploring Trollope’s expansive oeuvre, which includes novels, essays, and historical works. The index not only provides a detailed listing of his writings but also offers insights into Trollope's literary themes and styles, making it a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of 19th-century literature. The opening of this index presents a dedication to Dr. Joseph Loewenstein, highlighting his contributions to the Project Gutenberg collection. It lists numerous works by Trollope, including some of his most notable novels, such as "The Warden" and "Doctor Thorne," alongside essays and autobiographical pieces. This introductory section sets the stage for readers to delve into Trollope's works, inviting them to explore the thematic depth and character-driven narratives that have secured his place in literary history. Overall, it serves both as an overview of the author's impact on literature and as a practical tool for those seeking to access his works through the Gutenberg project.
North America — Volume 1
"North America — Volume 1" by Anthony Trollope is a travel narrative and cultural observation written during the mid-19th century, specifically in the period surrounding the American Civil War. The narrative results from Trollope's journey through the United States, wherein he examines various aspects of American life, including politics, society, education, and customs, amidst the climate of national discord. The text provides a lens through which readers can understand the complexities of American society at a pivotal moment in its history. At the start of the volume, Trollope sets the stage for his travels, detailing his motivations and expectations as he embarks on a journey through the United States from August 1861 to May 1862. He candidly discusses the Civil War's impact on his observations, emphasizing that while he aims to describe the American way of life, the ongoing conflict directs much of his commentary. He reflects on prior literary representations of Americans, indicating his desire to strike a balance between critique and admiration for the emerging nation and its people. As he begins his exploration, he notes the contrasting perceptions between Americans and Britons regarding the war, alongside the complex dynamics of their political relationships, thus establishing a rich premise for the travelogue that will unfold in the subsequent chapters.
The Commentaries of Cæsar
"The Commentaries of Cæsar" by Anthony Trollope is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the writings of Julius Cæsar, providing insights into his military campaigns, particularly in Gaul and his subsequent civil war. This narrative offers a unique perspective on Cæsar’s actions and motives during a pivotal time in Roman history, exploring themes of power, ambition, and the complexities of leadership. The opening of the volume introduces the context of Cæsar’s Commentaries, emphasizing that they serve as foundational texts for modern history. It reflects on Cæsar's firsthand experiences in the Gallic Wars and his civil strife against Pompey. Trollope discusses Cæsar's unique narrative style, marked by clarity and simplicity, providing an analysis of Cæsar’s ambitious character and strategic prowess. The text lays the groundwork for Cæsar’s military exploits and hints at the ethical and moral complexities of his conquests, showcasing his dual role as a commander and a statesman who shaped the very fabric of the Roman Empire.
The Duke's Children
"The Duke's Children" by Anthony Trollope is a novel first published between 1879 and 1880. The Duke of Omnium faces devastating loss when his wife dies unexpectedly and his government falls. Left to manage his grown children alone, he confronts unexpected challenges: his daughter's love for a modest gentleman, his eldest son's political defection and romance with an American heiress, and his younger son's academic troubles. As family tensions mount over forbidden romances and diverging paths, the Duke must navigate unfamiliar emotional terrain and reconsider his expectations.
The Kellys and the O'Kellys
"The Kellys and the O’Kellys" by Anthony Trollope is a novel set in mid-19th century Ireland. The narrative explores the complex social dynamics between landlords and tenants, particularly through the experiences of the Kelly family and their connections to the O’Kellys. The story delves into themes of inheritance, love, and the ongoing societal struggles in Ireland during that period. The opening of the story introduces a backdrop of political tension surrounding the trial of prominent figures in the Repeal Movement, setting the stage for the characters' personal and social conflicts. Two brothers, Martin and John Kelly, are waiting to attend the trial, illustrating their engagement with the political climate. Martin is portrayed as a young farmer with ambitions, including an intent to elope with an heiress, while the family dynamics with their mother and their struggling household add depth to their characterizations. Martin’s determination to secure both love and financial stability is evident as he navigates the complexities of family relationships and societal expectations. As the brothers discuss their aspirations and the influence of their political surroundings, it becomes clear that their individual stories are entwined with the larger narrative of Ireland’s struggle for identity and equity.
Phineas Finn The Irish Member
"Phineas Finn" by Anthony Trollope is a novel first published serially from 1867 to 1868. It follows a charming young Irishman who enters British Parliament with no salary and little fortune. To survive in London's political world, Phineas must navigate party politics, contentious reforms, and his romantic entanglements with several women of wealth. His friendships, ambitions, and heart pull him between loyalty and opportunity, forcing difficult choices that will determine both his political career and personal future.
South Australia and Western Australia
"South Australia and Western Australia" by Anthony Trollope is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book serves as a portion of a larger work titled “Australia and New Zealand” and provides insights into the early history and development of South Australia, contrasting it with that of Western Australia. Trollope explores the social, political, and agricultural aspects of the colonies, highlighting South Australia's unique origins that were not founded on convict labor, unlike many other regions in Australia. The opening of the text sets the stage by detailing the early exploration and settlement of South Australia, particularly focusing on Captain Sturt's expeditions in the 1820s. It recounts the distinctive challenges faced in establishing this colony amidst a backdrop of neighboring states that were largely founded as penal settlements. Trollope discusses the development of the settlement, the implementation of the Wakefield system of colonization, and issues surrounding land sales and governance. He also emphasizes the colony's unique aspirations for a philanthropic model of society, contrasting markedly with the convict-based beginnings of its counterparts, providing an intriguing perspective on the evolution of Australian society.