The Bertrams

By Anthony Trollope

Book Overview

Anthony Trollope's "The Bertrams" offers readers a compelling journey into 19th-century England, exploring the intricate dynamics of family and the demanding world of scholars. This meticulously prepared edition of a classic work of historical fiction delves into the lives of its characters against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal ambition.

A captivating family drama unfolds as Trollope masterfully portrays the complexities of human relationships. "The Bertrams" is a testament to the author's skill in crafting narratives that resonate with readers across generations. This reprint invites you to immerse yourself in a story of enduring themes, expertly capturing the essence of its time. Rediscover the richness and depth of this literary gem, a timeless exploration of life, love, and the pursuit of knowledge.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1023118173
• ISBN13: 9781023118170
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 488 Pages
• Weight: 1.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

the nature and limits of prudence

Books by Trollope that are not part of the two series (Palliser, Barsetshire) tend to be neglected. This one deserves far more attention. It is Trollope at his best. The structure is intricate, the characters superb, the pace brisk. the wit and satire sharp . No dry spells, no simpereing Victorian maidens. This has a Balzacian flavour to it; there are a number of characters looking for the main chance. Caroline is one of his most interesting creations. There are three plots which are both parallel and contrasting: George and Caroline, Adela and Arthur, and Sir Lionel's search for a rich heiress. I would say the major theme of the book is the limits of prudence. The scenes in Cairo and Jerusalem add color, an exotic quality, to the story. A delightful read.

Trollope adds something different

Trollope delivers his usual good story with good characters but adds something new here--an Englishman's view of Jerusalem in the 1800s. It's fascinating, and he reveals his own Christian beliefs in this book very clearly. The two romances are also a little different from his usual ones--very satisfying, I thought. And, again, he does not neglect humor. Having read many Trollope novels, I rate this one among the best.

Vintage Trollope

Trollope wrote "The Bertrams" fairly early in his writing career and to me it felt different from his usual fare. Of course there was his theme of boy meets girl, he/they fall in love, boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy eventually wins girl. The emotion seemed more raw though. In "Bertrams" Trollope also threw in some exotic locales such as Jerusalem and Egypt. On the surface this can seem boring but Trollope was always so good at looking under his character's skin to their psychology, their emotions, and motivations. His writing never gets old for me and compared to some of today's harsher literature and even harsher current political/financial/emotional climate reading Trollope feels like a conversation with a trusted friend. He never lets you down.

ONE OF HIS BEST

THE STORY IS ESSENTIALLY A LOVE STORY -- ABOUT 2 MAIN COUPLES. THERE ARE LOTS OF OTHER PSYCHOLOGICAL SUBPLOTS, ALSO. THE STORY INVOLVES TWO YOUNG MEN WHO ARE EACH IN LOVE, ONE GEORGE BERTRAM AND ONE ARTHUR W. GEORGE DENOUNCES HIS UNCLES MONEY AND WILL NOT BE MOVED TO ANY SORT OF ACTION BY IT -- THUS CAUSING THE WOMAN HE LOVES TO POSTPONE THEIR MARRIAGE. SHE WANTS TO LIVE WELL WITH LOTS OF MONEY. ON THE OTHER HAND, ARTHUR DOES THE SAME, FEELING HE CANNOT MARRY HIS LOVE SINCE HE HAS NO MONEY. THE EFFECT THAT MONEY OR THE LACK THEREOF HAS ON THESE 4 PEOPLE AND THE OTHER CHARACTERS IN THE STORY IS THE CENTRAL THEME. THE BOOK IS SO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND EXAMINES DEEPLY THE PSYCHE OF ALL THE CHARACTERS. I LOVED IT!

THE BERTRAMS

"The Bertrams is one of Trollope's more remarkable novels, drawing on his experiences in Egypt and the Holy Land, and has an unusually exotic flavour, particularly for readers familiar only with the English rural world of his Barsetshire series."