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Originally Posted by HarryT
Is this the series often called the "Barchester Chronicles", Don? I've often meant to read them (I'm a big fan of Victorian novels) but never got around to. Your posted gives me an excellent reason to do so. Thanks!
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I've actually seen this listed as "Barchester Chronicles," and as "Barsetshire Chronicles [or Series]." (In looking over the web, and also the 8 or 9 critical studies I have about Trollope, I find most critics seem to prefer the word "Barsetshire.")
Since you haven't read him yet (is that right?), then I should mention that he's often criticized for the heavy-handedness of his writings. The fact is, he's no Charles Dickens, whose writings leap off the page much like his characters. (How's that for hyperbole?!!)
His books often "plod" along, but for ME, they offer a world that I'm not familiar with. It's also a chance to see how people really lived their lives in the Victorian age. I really think Trollope is one of those writers you really like because of WHAT he writes about, or he's a writer whose issues don't warrant the committment that time demands.
I really do like Trollope, but stylistically he's the complete opposite of Dickens. I don't know about you, but for me I sometimes will reach a point with Dickens where his "cutsey-ness" is too much to take. [But I LOVE Dickens!] That's when I'll pick up a Trollope - if I know I'll have enough time - and start to read him.
The Warden really is a great place for someone to dip into Trollope, because of its brevitity, because it's focus is so tight.
Don