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  • Published: 29 March 1984
  • ISBN: 9780140432145
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $24.00

The Warden




The first of the well-loved Chronicles of Barsetshire, The Warden reveals Trollope's ability to write satirically and hopefully about his society

The tranquil atmosphere of the cathedral town of Barchester is shattered when a scandal breaks concerning the financial affairs of a Church-run almshouse for elderly men. In the ensuing furore, Septimus Harding, the almshouse's well-meaning warden, finds himself pitted against his daughter's suitor Dr John Bold, a zealous local reformer. Matters are not improved when Harding's abrasive son-in law, Archdeacon Grantly, leaps into the fray to defend him against a campaign Bold begins in the national press. An affectionate and wittily satirical view of the workings of the Church of England, The Warden is also a subtle exploration of the rights and wrongs of moral crusades and, in its account of Harding's intensely felt personal drama, a moving depiction of the private impact of public affairs.

  • Published: 29 March 1984
  • ISBN: 9780140432145
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $24.00

Other books in the series

Maldoror and Poems
On Sparta
Love
Annals
Military Dispatches

About the author

Anthony Trollope

Anthony Trollope (1815 – 1882) was one of the most successful, prolific and respected English novelists of the Victorian era. Some of his best-loved works, collectively known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, revolve around the imaginary county of Barsetshire. He also wrote perceptive novels on political, social, and gender issues, and on other topical matters.

Also by Anthony Trollope

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Praise for The Warden

Theo Farrell has written the definitive history of what was effectively the Fourth Anglo-Afghan War. His encyclopaediac knowledge of the thirteen-year-long struggle derives from interviewing many of the key decision-makers - on both sides - as well as an intimate knowledge of all the written sources. Well-sourced, well-written and riveting, Unwinnable should be studied by politicians and in military academies across the West. 'How to' books abound; this is the ultimate 'How not to' book.

Andrew Roberts, author of NAPOLEON THE GREAT

A powerful, perceptive and authoritative account of Britain's military failure in Afghanistan. Farrell delivers a forensic dissection of what went wrong, and why. Unwinnable should be required reading for soldiers, strategists and policymakers for years to come.

Jason Burke, author of THE NEW THREAT FROM ISLAMIC MILITANCY

Highly readable and penetrating account ... Many of those who served in Afghanistan will wish that they had known some of what Theo has uncovered. For anyone who did not serve there, they could not hope for a better survey of the campaign.

Lt-Gen. Jonathon Riley, Former Deputy Commander of the International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan

This penetrating and superbly researched book explains how the United Kingdom came to intervene in Afghanistan, how it tried to meet its objectives, and why these objectives could not be achieved.

Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, author of STRATEGY: A HISTORY

Masterful. With lucid, pacey prose Theo Farrell brilliantly reveals the political neglect, military hubris and ultimate fallacy of Britain's long war in Afghanistan. Unwinnable captures the frustrating reality of Helmand with remarkable accuracy and will surely be the definitive account for years to come.

Patrick Bury, author of CALLSIGN HADES

There is a small mountain of books on Britain's Fourth Afghan War and this one stands atop them all; the best single account of the whole conflict. Clear and simply written without ever being simplistic; understanding the courage and resolve of the military without ever being in thrall to it; excoriating political leadership without ever being unfair, this book is a masterclass in world class research as well as being a thoroughly good read.

Professor Michael Clarke, Former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

Remarkable. It is full of anecdotes gleaned from hundreds of diligent interviews with the players on the ground. And for a devotee of military history, it is a delight. Farrell's masterpiece of a must-read. Magnificent

Sherard Cowper-Coles, The Times

Masterful, irrefutable. [Farrell] records all these military encounters with the irresistible pace of a novelist.

Justin Marozzi, Sunday Times

A devastating account of the Afghan saga

Simon Jenkins, Guardian

Authoritative and provocative. For its range and breadth, it is a tour de force and a must read

Robert Fox, Evening Standard

Salutary reading for politicians and generals alike

Sir David Bell, Times Higher Education Supplement

As a reminder of how not to prosecute a war in far-off place that has confounded the best efforts of many foreign powers over the centuries, Theo Farrell's Unwinnable: Britain's War in Afghanistan 2001-2014.is surely the last word on the subject

Justin Marozzi, Evening Standard

With its broad scope and detail, Unwinnable is akin to an official history in the finest of British historical tradition. In fact, whenever the official history does come out, it will find itself in stiff competition with Farrell's work.

Carter Malkasian, Joint Force Quarterly

There have been many books written on this subject, but Farrell's stupendous research, clear vision and succinct writing are likely to outlast them all

Ahmed Rashid, Prospect

The best book so far on Britain's recent war in Afghanistan...also beautifully written...the new material which Farrell has unearthed is remarkable

Tim Willasey-Wilsey, International Affairs