Publisher Description
A well-meaning public official finds himself embroiled in a political scandal in this acclaimed satire.
Set in an almshouse in rural England, The Warden features the realism, satire, and biting social commentary that helped establish Anthony Trollope as one of the preeminent English novelists of his day.
Septimus Harding is the modest and wizened warden of Hiram's Hospital, a charitable institution funded by money bequeathed to the Diocese of Barchester. When young upstart John Bold stages a campaign that challenges the use of these charitable funds—and Harding's seemingly exorbitant earnings—critics come out of the woodwork to question the hospital's dealings. And making matters personal, Bold is courting Harding's daughter, Eleanor.
The first installment in the Chronicles of Barsetshire, The Warden illuminates perceived Christian hypocrisies, yet strikes a light-hearted tone. A clear-eyed and humane work of satire, it brilliantly examines issues just as relevant today as in Victorian England.
This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This first novel in Trollope s classic Chronicles of Barsetshire series pits reformer John Bold against Septimus Harding, the precentor of Barchester Cathedral and warden of Hiram s Hospital, an almshouse supported by a bequest to the local diocese. As Bold works to expose the fact that more of the charity s income goes to Harding than to its bedesmen, he begins to take a romantic interest in Harding s youngest daughter, Eleanor. In this audio edition, narrator David Shaw-Parker delivers a winning performance that keeps listeners engaged throughout. With a deep, accented voice Shaw-Parker brings this 19th-century novel to life. His timing and tone are spot-on and he creates distinct voices for the book s many characters.
