Marcia Starck

Anthony Trollope was a prominent English novelist of the Victorian era, also serving as a civil servant. Despite facing early financial difficulties and a challenging childhood marked by bullying and family struggles, Trollope rose to become a highly productive author.

His career began after a difficult period in the General Post Office, from which he sought escape by accepting a position in Ireland. This move proved transformative, allowing him to develop his writing habits during extensive travel for his postal duties. His early novels were often set in Ireland, reflecting his experiences there, though they received mixed critical reception. Later, his work gained significant recognition, particularly with the Chronicles of Barsetshire and the Palliser novels, which explored political and social themes. Trollope's literary output was vast, encompassing numerous novels, short stories, travel books, and autobiographical writings.

Born into a family with intellectual and literary connections, Anthony Trollope's early life was marked by financial hardship and educational struggles. His father, Thomas Anthony Trollope, a barrister, faced professional and financial setbacks, leading the family to experience a disparity between their genteel background and limited means. Anthony attended prestigious schools like Harrow and Winchester but endured considerable misery due to bullying and his family's inability to afford full fees. His mother, Frances Milton Trollope, a writer herself, moved to America with some of the children, attempting various ventures that ultimately failed. The family eventually regrouped in Belgium, living on Frances's earnings, while Anthony took on a tutoring role before securing a clerkship at the General Post Office in London.

Trollope's initial years at the General Post Office were described by him as unproductive and marked by insubordination and debt. Seeking an escape from his difficult work situation and financial troubles, he volunteered for a position as a postal surveyor clerk in Ireland in 1841. This move proved beneficial, as he found the work more engaging and the cost of living lower, allowing him to achieve a degree of prosperity. He developed a passion for fox hunting and found the company of the local Irish people pleasant. During his extensive travels for postal duties across Ireland, Trollope began writing, often on long train journeys, setting daily writing goals that contributed to his prolific output. His early novels were frequently set in Ireland, drawing inspiration from his surroundings, though they faced challenges in gaining traction with English readers.

A significant turning point in Trollope's career occurred in 1851 when he was assigned to reorganize rural mail delivery in England and Wales. This period, which he described as among the happiest of his life, led him to conceive the plot for 'The Warden' during a visit to Salisbury Cathedral. Published in 1855, 'The Warden' was the first of the successful Chronicles of Barsetshire series. Although initial profits were modest, the novel garnered critical attention and brought Trollope into the public eye. He followed this success with 'Barchester Towers' and continued to produce acclaimed works, including the Palliser novels, which addressed political and social issues of the day. His literary reputation, which had waned towards the end of his life, saw a revival in the mid-20th century.

“the first seven years of my official life were neither creditable to myself nor useful to the public service.”

“The Irish people did not murder me, nor did they even break my head. I soon found them to be good-humoured, clever—the working classes very much more intelligent than those of England—economical and hospitable.”

“It is evident that readers do not like novels on Irish subjects as well as on others.”