Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Tuesday Intro: Barchester Towers


Chapter 1
Who Will Be the New Bishop?
In the latter days of July in the year 185––, a most important question was for ten days hourly asked in the cathedral city of Barchester, and answered every hour in various ways—Who was to be the new bishop? 
The death of old Dr. Grantly, who had for many years filled that chair with meek authority, took place exactly as the ministry of Lord –––– was going to give place to that of Lord ––––. The illness of the good old man was long and lingering, and it became at last a matter of intense interest to those concerned whether the new appointment should be made by a conservative or liberal government.
Barchester Towers
by Anthony Trollope

Our #6Barsets Project continues in March/April with the second book in the series, Barchester Towers. I read the first two chapters last night and was delighted when it picked up just a short time after The Warden (which I promise to write about soon) ended.

Here is the blurb from amazon:
Barchester Towers (1857) was the book that made Trollope's reputation and it remains his most popular and enjoyable novel. The arrival of a new bishop in Barchester, accompanied by his formidable wife and ambitious chaplain, Obadiah Slope, sets the town in turmoil as Archdeacon Grantly declares 'War, war, internecine war!' on Bishop Proudie and his supporters. Who will come out on top in the battle between the archdeacon, the bishop, Mr Slope, and Mrs Proudie? 
The livelihood of Mr Harding, the saintly hero of The Warden, is once more under threat but clerical warfare finds itself tangled up in the wayward (and sometimes perverse) desires of the many courtships, seductions, and romances of the book. Who will marry Eleanor Bold? Can any man resist the charms of the exotically beautiful 'La Signora Madeline Vesey Neroni'? Will the oily Mr Slope finally get his comeuppance? John Bowen's introduction examines the literary skill with which Trollope combines comedy and acute social and pyschological observation in this new edition.
I can't wait to continue. Would you keep reading? You're welcome to join us.


Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.

38 comments:

  1. I am definitely curious...and I don't know how I have missed this one over the years. Thanks for sharing.

    Here's mine: “WHAT REMAINS”

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    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - I listened to the opening chapter and love it already!

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  2. The summary makes me think of an intro on PBS's Masterpiece. I hope you enjoy it. Girl Who Reads

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    1. Donna - I'm pretty sure this was made into a Masterpiece series.

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  3. I want to move to Barchester :)

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    1. Lisa - Can I come, too? ;-)

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    2. Me too! Me too! (Esp. since Mr. Slope is really Alan Rickman (or the other way around.)

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    3. Audrey and Lisa - I just met Mr. Slope today... or should I say Alan Rickman!

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    4. My heart has always belonged to Mr Arabin - or what I can spare of it from Mr Harding :)

      I adore Alan Rickman, so I don't *want* to see him as Mr Slope!!

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    5. Lisa - I definitely have a soft spot for Mr. Harding...haven't met Mr. Arabin yet

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  4. You had me at Trollope--he's on my list to read when I have a more leisurely schedule.

    My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/03/first-chapter-first-paragraph-97.html

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  5. It sounds interesting. I haven't read any Trollope but I'd like to try his books. I look forward to seeing your thoughts on The Warden.

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    1. Katherine - This is even better than The Warden so far.

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  6. Great intro! I have always meant to read something by Trollope, maybe this would be a good starter. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Whitney - You're welcome to join us if it fits into your schedule!

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  7. I like the intro and it inspires me to try reading some Anthony Trollope! I'll look forward to your review.

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    1. Kelley - You definitely have to be in the right mood for a classic like this.

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  9. I have Trollope on my list of must reads and this great opening has inspired me to make it sooner rather than later. Here is my Tuesday post https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/03/10/4158/

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    1. Cleo - I'm enjoying my time with Trollope this year!

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  10. I haven't read any historical fiction for a while. Hope you enjoy it.

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    1. Suzie - I'm enjoying it quite a bit! BTW, I'm having trouble commenting on your blog:(

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  11. The blurb drew me more than the intro. Enjoy.

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    1. Nise' - The opening isn't anything special, I agree. But the story is wonderful.

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  12. I liked the first paragraph of the intro, but didn't like the second as much. I might have trouble getting into the writing style.

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    1. Sarah - It does take some getting used to.

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  13. I'm think PBS feature as well, LOL. I would keep reading though, but not sure how long I'd last.

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    1. Diane - Simon Vance (and the audio version) keeps me on track. I can still hear him speak when I switch to print.

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  14. I don't think this is something I'd read, but I hope you enjoy it.

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  15. I'd like to keep reading this based on the blurb. The introduction didn't grab me. I'd need to read a few pages. This 6-book series is on my To-Read list for "some day," so I'll get to it one day. I'm going to remember you suggestion of audio.

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    1. Margot - This year is the 200th anniversary of Trollope's birth. It's given us the push we needed to get started!

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  16. Replies
    1. Sheila - The Simon Vance audio version is great!

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  17. I love the cover. The intro is interesting. I hope you continue to enjoy it.

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    1. Pat - I always enjoy classics more when I'm reading with friends.

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