Barchester Towers (Chronicles of Barsetshire, Book 2) (The Chronicles of Barsetshire)

[Read by Simon Vance]

Book 2 in the Chronicles of Barsetshire

This magnificent sequel to The Warden satirizes the struggle for ascendancy among the clergy of a cathedral city as they contend for the newly vacant post of warden of Hiram's Hospital. The contest is between Archdeacon Grantly, favored by the outgoing church authorities, and the ambitious Mr. Obadiah Slope, championed by Mrs. Proudie and the newcomers. Each wishes to become the dominant voice in the quiet diocese of Barchester, but their antics reveal that their priorities are more social and political than spiritual or moral. These intrigues, entwined through the lives of many memorable characters, provide a humorous backdrop for an exploration of the clash between old and new ways in Victorian England.