Anthony Trollope (24 April 1815 - 6 December 1882) was an English novelist of the Victorian era. Among his best-known works is a series of novels collectively known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, which revolves around the imaginary county of Barsetshire. He also wrote novels on political, social, and gender issues, and other topical matters. Trollope's literary reputation dipped somewhat during the last years of his life, but he had regained the esteem of critics by the mid-20th century.

The son of a barrister, Trollope was fascinated by the workings of the legal system. This novel, his last major work, is dominated by the figure of John Scarborough, a wealthy squire who contrives from his deathbed to defeat the law of entail. Seeking to bequeath his estate to the worthier of his two sons, he subjects them to a testing examination and, in the process, baffles his lawyers and scandalizes society. The social world also comes under scrutiny as Trollope explores the codes of conduct governing courtship and marriage, money-lending, gambling and other subjects as he records the...

Anthony Trollope (24 April 1815 - 6 December 1882) was an English novelist of the Victorian era. Among his best-known works is a series of novels collectively known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, which revolves around the imaginary county of Barsetshire. He also wrote novels on political, social, and gender issues, and other topical matters. Trollope's literary reputation dipped somewhat during the last years of his life, but he had regained the esteem of critics by the mid-20th century.