Phineas Redux

Description

In the fourth of the 'Palliser' stories, Trollope follows Phineas Finn's return to the dangerous world of Westminster politics. When his political rival is murdered, Phineas is thrown under suspicion and eventually finds himself standing trial at the Old Bailey. The situation is complicated by the presence of two women in his life: his old flame Lady Laura, whose estranged husband is determined to destroy Phineas's reputation, and the wealthy and enimgatic widow, Madame Max.

Anthony Trollope (1815-1882) was a prolific and popular novelist who simultaneously maintained a successful career as a civil servant in the Post Office. He wrote 47 novels during his life, the most famous of which are the six Chronicles of Barsetshire and the six 'Palliser' novels. His fiction is regarded as presenting the most convincing picture of the lives of the landed and professional classes in the 19th century. Gregg Hechimovich teaches English at Seattle University.