|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
The Warden
|
|
(1855) The first novel in *Trollope's Barsetshire series, and the book which brought him his first success. The unworldly Rev. Septimus Harding has been appointed warden of Hiram's Hospital, an almshouse for 12 poor old men. The interplay of character and political intrigue (the rich vein which Trollope discovered in this book) arises here from a press campaign against Harding on the grounds that too much of the charity's income goes towards his salary and too little is spent on the old men in his care. In spite of being urged on by his pugnacious and ambitious son-in-law, Archdeacon Grantly, the warden resigns his post – for he rather agrees with the thrust of the objection. He moves into lodgings in the town. His small new parish contains part of the Cathedral Close, the setting for the next stage of the drama in *Barchester Towers.
|
|
|
|