Read Anthony Trollope Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on June 6, 2026

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Anthony Trollope, one of the most prolific and insightful novelists of the Victorian era, continues to captivate readers more than a century after his death. Known for his intricate portrayals of English society, meticulous character development, and subtle social commentary, Trollope’s novels offer a window into a world where ambition, duty, love, and class intersect. Unlike some of his contemporaries, Trollope approached writing with remarkable discipline, often producing several novels a year, each imbued with his sharp observations of human behavior and institutional structures. For modern readers, however, navigating his extensive body of work-comprising over forty novels and numerous short stories-can feel daunting. One common question arises: should his books be read in a particular order? Understanding Trollope’s literary universe, his recurring characters, and the thematic connections between his works can enrich the reading experience and reveal the deliberate architecture underlying his seemingly sprawling narratives.

List Of Anthony Trollope Books In Order

More On Anthony Trollope Books In Chronological Order

1. The Macdermots of Ballycloran (1847)

So, this was Trollope’s first foray into the world of full-length novels, and it’s about a family in Ireland, the Macdermots, caught in the grip of tragic fate. It’s got all the elements of drama you’d expect-love, betrayal, and conflict with the backdrop of Irish politics at the time. While not as polished as some of his later works, it sets the stage for the themes he’d continue to explore. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but there’s something incredibly engaging about seeing a great writer find his voice.

2. The Warden (1855)

Ah, *The Warden*, where it all starts in Trollope’s famous *Chronicles of Barsetshire* series. This book introduces us to Mr. Harding, a well-meaning but conflicted warden of an almshouse, who gets caught up in a public scandal. It’s a sweet, introspective story, examining morality, responsibility, and the tensions between personal duty and public opinion. It’s got this wonderful, gentle pace, and it kind of sneaks up on you with its big questions about what’s right and wrong.

3. Barchester Towers (1857)

If *The Warden* is where the Barsetshire series begins, *Barchester Towers* is where Trollope really hits his stride. The plot revolves around the battle for control of Barchester Cathedral, with new characters-like the ambitious, manipulative Obadiah Slope-bringing tons of intrigue. The book has a more satirical edge to it, poking fun at the church, the clergy, and the social mores of the time. It’s got everything: politics, drama, a bit of humor, and all the warmth of a tight-knit community under pressure.

4. Doctor Thorne (1858)

Here we’ve got a more complex story, with the good doctor at the heart of it. *Doctor Thorne* is about social class, romance, and the tricky business of inheritance. The doctor’s niece, Mary, is a central character who may or may not inherit a fortune, and her love life gets pretty complicated as a result. It’s got that classic Trollope mix of personal drama and social commentary, with a heavy dose of satire aimed at the upper classes and the laws of inheritance. It’s one of those books where you just can’t help but root for the underdog.

5. Framley Parsonage (1860)

In *Framley Parsonage*, Trollope dives deeper into the lives of the clergy, this time focusing on the young and somewhat naive Reverend Mark Robarts. Robarts gets tangled up in a web of bad decisions, all of which are steeped in moral dilemmas and the expectations of society. It’s got the usual humor, but it’s also a bit of a moral commentary on ambition, the limits of friendship, and the dangers of being too trusting. A very absorbing read, especially if you enjoy characters trying-and often failing-to do the right thing.

6. The Small House at Allington (1864)

Okay, this one is a bit of a departure from the usual Barsetshire antics. *The Small House at Allington* revolves around the Allington family, specifically the two lovely daughters, Lily and Bell, and their romantic entanglements. Trollope uses their story to explore the social constraints placed on women and the pressures of marriage. There’s this perfect blend of romance and the weighty social expectations of the time. It’s one of those novels where you get to sit back and reflect on love, class, and what it means to be a woman in the Victorian era.

7. The Last Chronicle of Barset (1867)

Now, we’re at the final chapter in the Barsetshire series, and Trollope pulls out all the stops. *The Last Chronicle of Barset* is a sweeping, emotional conclusion to the lives of these beloved characters. We follow the downfall of the priest, Mr. Crawley, who faces a scandal involving a missing banknote, and how the entire community reacts. There’s a lot of redemption, a lot of forgiveness, and, of course, plenty of drama. It’s a heartwarming yet dramatic end to a series that’s been full of life’s messy contradictions.

8. The Way We Live Now (1875)

This book is a scathing social critique of greed, corruption, and the rampant speculation of the late 19th century. *The Way We Live Now* tackles the world of finance, the scandal surrounding the construction of the Great Eastern railway, and the ever-present pursuit of wealth. It’s a bold, unflinching look at the darker side of Victorian society, with its obsession with money and status. There’s a huge cast of characters, and Trollope really digs deep into their motivations, showing how moral decay creeps into every corner of life.

9. He Knew He Was Right (1869)

A tale of jealousy, obsession, and emotional turmoil, *He Knew He Was Right* is one of Trollope’s more psychological novels. The protagonist, Louis Trevelyan, is consumed by jealousy over his wife’s perceived infidelity, and his obsessive behavior leads to ruin. Trollope explores the consequences of paranoia and unchecked emotions, examining the fragility of relationships. It’s one of his more intense books, and while it doesn’t have the humor of some of his others, it’s a gripping, emotional story of love gone wrong.

10. The Fixed Period (1882)

*The Fixed Period* is one of Trollope’s more unusual works. It’s a dystopian novel set in a fictional island society where people are required to end their lives at the age of 67. It’s a pretty bold and morbid exploration of aging, society’s treatment of the elderly, and the ethics of life and death. Trollope uses this bizarre setup to ask deep questions about the value of human life and the lengths to which society might go to maintain order. It’s strange, a little dark, but also quite thought-provoking.

Background On Anthony Trollope Books

Anthony Trollope’s novels are often grouped into series, with the Chronicles of Barsetshire and the Palliser series standing out as his most celebrated. The Barsetshire novels center around the fictional county of Barsetshire, exploring the lives, ambitions, and moral dilemmas of the clergy and landed gentry. Beginning with The Warden (1855), Trollope introduces readers to a society governed by tradition, hierarchy, and subtle intrigue. Each subsequent book, such as Barchester Towers (1857) and The Last Chronicle of Barset (1867), builds on the county’s rich tapestry of interconnected characters, offering deeper insights into human motivations and the social institutions that shape them.

The Palliser series, on the other hand, focuses on politics and the upper echelons of Victorian society. Centered around Plantagenet Palliser, a fictional aristocrat and statesman, these novels-beginning with Can You Forgive Her? (1864)-examine the intersections of personal ambition, marriage, and public life. Trollope’s nuanced portrayal of political maneuvering, combined with his keen psychological insight, makes the series both an engaging narrative and a window into the workings of Victorian governance.

Beyond these two major series, Trollope’s standalone novels, such as Framley Parsonage (1861) or The Way We Live Now (1875), continue to explore similar themes of morality, ambition, and social hierarchy, often with satirical undertones. While each novel can stand alone, many readers find that understanding the broader context of his recurring settings and characters enhances their appreciation of Trollope’s artistry.

Reading Order Explained

When it comes to reading Trollope, there are multiple approaches. For the Barsetshire novels, chronological reading is often recommended. Starting with The Warden provides an introduction to Barsetshire’s moral and social landscape, while Barchester Towers and subsequent novels expand on these relationships and tensions. Reading in order allows readers to witness the evolution of recurring characters, such as Mr. Harding, Archdeacon Grantly, and Mrs. Proudie, and understand how long-term developments shape the story world.

The Palliser series also benefits from chronological reading, particularly because characters age, gain experience, and undergo political or personal transformations across the novels. Beginning with Can You Forgive Her? ensures that readers follow character arcs and narrative threads as Trollope intended.

However, Trollope’s writing style is remarkably accommodating. Standalone novels or even individual books within a series can often be enjoyed independently, thanks to his clear characterizations and self-contained plots. This flexibility makes his work approachable to new readers who may feel overwhelmed by the length or number of his novels.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the most compelling aspects of Trollope’s novels is his psychological realism. He captures the subtleties of human behavior-ambition, insecurity, pride, and moral conflict-with a precision that feels remarkably modern. His characters are not idealized heroes or villains; they are nuanced, flawed, and deeply relatable.

Another standout feature is his social commentary. Through the lens of Barsetshire’s clergy or the Palliser political arena, Trollope explores themes of power, duty, and societal expectation. He does so with a deft hand: his critique is never heavy-handed but woven seamlessly into narrative and dialogue. This approach creates stories that are entertaining, enlightening, and thought-provoking.

Finally, Trollope’s narrative style deserves mention. His writing is patient, methodical, and immersive. He doesn’t rush plot resolutions or skim character development. Instead, he allows readers to savor every interaction, every moral dilemma, and every social nuance. This slow, deliberate pacing is a feature, not a flaw, inviting readers to truly inhabit the world he has created.

Should You Read Anthony Trollope Books In Order?

Whether you should read Trollope in order depends on your goals as a reader. If your aim is to fully appreciate character development and recurring thematic arcs, chronological order is highly recommended. Following the Barsetshire novels from The Warden onward or the Palliser series from Can You Forgive Her? allows you to witness the long-term evolution of characters and institutions, adding depth to the reading experience.

However, if your goal is simply to enjoy individual stories or explore specific aspects of Victorian society, it is perfectly acceptable to read the novels out of sequence. Trollope’s careful exposition and vivid character sketches mean that each book can often stand on its own, providing complete satisfaction even without prior context.