Interweaving the complexities of the Victorian world, the novel draws on ecclesiastical scandals, criticizes the power of the press, satirizes the law, and examines the growing influence of London on provincial life. Based on the most authoritative text published during TrollopeтАЩs life, that of 1878, the Broadview edition also includes appendices with material relating to the novelтАЩs genesis, TrollopeтАЩs revisions, the sources of his literary parody, the historical background to the novelтАЩs topical references, its reception by contemporary critics, and TrollopeтАЩs views on the Church of England.
Geoffrey Harvey is a Senior Lecturer in English at The University of Reading. He is the author of a number of books on British literature, including The Art of Anthony Trollope.