Anthony Trollope

London, England

Born 1815 — Died 1882

Biography

Born in London in 1815, Anthony Trollope was a prolific English novelist of the Victorian era. Despite a difficult childhood marked by poverty and an overbearing father, he found stability and a celebrated career in the Post Office, where he worked for 33 years. His extensive travels for the Post Office, often inspecting rural routes, provided rich material for his novels, particularly the Barsetshire chronicles. He began writing in earnest in his mid-30s, famously maintaining a strict writing schedule of 250 words every fifteen minutes before starting his work day. This discipline allowed him to publish 47 novels, numerous short stories, and travel books. He is renowned for his detailed and realistic portrayals of Victorian society, its institutions, and the moral dilemmas faced by its inhabitants. His later work, the Palliser novels, delved into politics and government. He died in 1882, leaving behind a vast and influential body of work that continues to be read and adapted today.

Selected Thoughts

«The greatest misfortune of all is when a man has to forego his own judgment and to accept the guidance of others.»

«Of all the needs a man has, the need for an interesting woman is the greatest.»

«A man who would tell a falsehood at all would not hesitate to tell a falsehood in its worst form—that of a lie by implication.»

Writing Style

Trollope's writing style is characterized by its realism, detailed social observation, and psychological depth. He employed a clear, unadorned prose, often featuring an omniscient narrator who frequently addresses the reader directly, offering commentary and moral insights. His novels are known for their intricate plots, well-developed characters, and satirical undertones, particularly regarding the church, politics, and social climbing. He masterfully balances narrative with extensive dialogue, creating a natural flow that immerses the reader in the Victorian world.

The Prime Minister

2016