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 First edition title page. | |
| Author | Anthony Trollope |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Chronicles of Barsetshire |
| Publisher | Chapman and Hall |
Publication date | 1858 |
| Media type | |
| Preceded by | Barchester Towers |
| Followed by | Framley Parsonage |
| Text | Doctor Thorne at Wikisource |
Doctor Thorne is the third novel written by Anthony Trollope in his Chronicles of Barsetshire series, between Barchester Towers and Framley Parsonage. It was published by Chapman and Hall in London in 1858. The idea of the plot was suggested to Trollope by his brother Thomas.[1] Michael Sadleir [2] places it as one of the five best of Trollope's novels and the best of the Barsetshire novels.
The action is based in Barsetshire, though the familiar residents of Barchester take little part in proceedings, since most of the narrative is based in the village of Greshamsbury, 15 miles away. Greshamsbury Hall is the seat of the Greshams, an old and respected family.The squire is John Newbold Gresham whose wife, Lady Arabella, is sister of the Earl de Courcy. They have one son and several daughters.
The titular Doctor Thorne lives in the village with his niece Mary. She has grown up with the Gresham children and since the doctor is well acquainted with squire Gresham, Mary spends a great deal of time at Greshamsbury Hall. Mary's parentage is a mystery to the general public in the novel, but it is one of Trollope's most insistent principles to take the reader into his confidence.[3] Since Mary Thorne has neither family background nor money, Lady Arabella discourages her from associating with her erstwhile playmates once they grow up. However, unknown to nearly everyone, Mary's maternal uncle, Roger Scatcherd, has risen from humble beginnings to great wealth.