Phineas Finn

Phineas Finn is a young Irishman with charm, ambition and almost no money. When he is offered the chance to stand for Parliament, he leaves behind his family and his law books and enters the turbulent world of Victorian politics. In London he must learn how to make a speech, how to keep a seat and how to navigate the drawing rooms where careers are made and reputations undone. Along the way he falls in love, makes enemies and discovers that public life demands private sacrifices.

Anthony Trollope's second Palliser novel is a warm, witty and clear-eyed portrait of politics and society in the 1860s. It follows its hero from his first election into government office, and it asks what a man of principle can achieve without betraying himself. Readers who enjoy Victorian fiction, political drama and richly drawn characters will find much to admire in this story of ambition, friendship and love.

This edition contains the complete text of Phineas Finn, a new introduction, a character guide, a summary of the story, notes on themes, a glossary of period terms and discussion questions for readers and book clubs.