The time period of the novels, roughly form the 1830s to the 1880s was a very busy time for the British Government. A faint one in The Eustice Diamonds and Phineas Redux and not all that central to The Prime Minister. Politics are a running theme through the books, but more as a background. The Pallsers are said to be the political novels. This means that characters may appear as important only to disappear. You will find entire pages of padding and the occasional sub plot that however entertaining is not a necessary contribution to further the larger plot of the books. Taking up this series is a commitment to about 4200 pages of reading. He was contracted to produce about 4 chapters at a time, each of a certain length with the goal being 80 chapters or over 700 pages per book. In common with Dickens, Trollope was writing to a contact for publishers that were printing his books as a serial. Rather than many specific about each book, a more general discussion may help a potential reader. Like Dickens Trollope has an awareness of work as a means of survival but also as a way to live out a mission at least superficially based on an image of the public good. Like much of Austin’s novels there flashes humor and the focus is on people for whom work is optional rather than a matter of survival. What makes Trollope worthy of the time that might otherwise be devoted to more by Jane Austen or Charles Dickens is his keen analysis of the complexities within this otherwise detached society. Almost every major character is titled and all are or are looking to marry rich. On the surface Anthony Trollope’s six PALLISER NOVELS, also called the Parliamentary Chronicles are another in the many life styles of the rich and famous Victorian novels. National politics are a topic but more so are the politics of the home and heart. Certainly padded but entertaining and thought provoking. Trollope’s Pallisers books are a worthy reading challenge.

The eustace diamonds review