Angela Thirkell – Barsetshire Chronicles: Complete Collection, Vol. 2. Illustrated

This illustrated second volume of Angela Thirkell’s Barsetshire Chronicles: Complete Collection continues the author’s warmly satirical portrait of English provincial life in the fictional county of Barsetshire. Known for her witty dialogue and gentle social commentary, Thirkell expands her interconnected world of clergy, school staff, landed families, and small-town eccentrics.

The collection brings together Marling Hall, Growing Up, The Headmistress, Miss Bunting, Private Enterprise, and additional related works. These novels explore the everyday rhythms of post-war British society, where questions of class, education, romance, and financial security shape the lives of familiar recurring characters. Thirkell’s storytelling is marked by humour, irony, and a keen awareness of shifting social values in a changing England.

At the centre of these stories is Barsetshire itself, a fictional county inspired by the literary tradition of Anthony Trollope, yet reimagined by Thirkell with a more modern and playful tone. The novels often follow school communities, country houses, and village networks, where personal ambitions and misunderstandings lead to both comic and touching situations.

Thirkell’s strength lies in her ability to balance light comedy with subtle critique. While her characters navigate domestic concerns, professional struggles, and romantic entanglements, the narratives also reflect broader cultural transitions in mid-20th-century Britain.

This illustrated edition enhances the reading experience by visually enriching Thirkell’s detailed settings and memorable cast. Overall, Volume 2 continues to showcase the charm, wit, and enduring appeal of the Barsetshire Chronicles, offering readers an engaging continuation of Thirkell’s fictional universe.
Contents:
-Marling Hall
-Growing Up
-The Headmistress
-Miss Bunting
-Peace Breaks Out
-Private Enterprise
-Love Among the Ruins
-The Old Bank House
-County Chronicle
-The Duke's Daughter