The Warden
The Warden by Anthony Trollope, published by Penguin in July 1984, is a reprint edition comprising 240 pages in English. This novel marks the beginning of the Barsetshire series and introduces readers to the character of Septimus Harding, a well-meaning cleric whose life is disrupted by a scandal involving the financial management of a Church-run almshouse for elderly men in the cathedral town of Barchester. The narrative unfolds as Harding finds himself at odds with Dr. John Bold, a reform-minded suitor of his daughter, while his son-in-law, Archdeacon Grantly, becomes embroiled in the controversy.
Readers will encounter a blend of satire and literary exploration as Trollope delves into the complexities of moral issues and the impact of public affairs on personal lives. The story provides an affectionate yet critical view of the Church of England, highlighting the tensions between reform and tradition. This edition includes an introduction by Robin Gilmour, which discusses Trollope’s influences and the contemporary newspaper scandals that inform the narrative, along with suggestions for further reading and notes to enhance understanding.
Official synopsis Publisher
The first of the popular Barsetshire novels centers on the honorable cleric Septimus Harding, one of Trollope’s most memorable characters.
The tranquil atmosphere of the cathedral town of Barchester is shattered when a scandal breaks concerning the financial affairs of a Church-run almshouse for elderly men. In the ensuing furor, Septimus Harding, the almshouse’s well-meaning warden, finds himself pitted against his daughter’s suitor Dr. John Bold, a zealous local reformer. Matters are not improved when Harding’s abrasive son-in-law, Archdeacon Grantly, leaps into the fray to defend him against a campaign Bold begins in the national press. An affectionate and wittily satirical view of the workings of the Church of England, The Warden is also a subtle exploration of the rights and wrongs of moral crusades and, in its account of Harding’s intensely felt personal drama, a moving depiction of the private impact of public affairs.
In his introduction, Robin Gilmour examines Trollope’s background and influences, especially his use of contemporary newspaper scandals. This edition also includes suggestions for further reading and notes.
Penguin Classics is the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world, representing a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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