Books On Board
series Reading Order

Chronicles of Barsetshire Books in Order

6 Books
1855 – 1867 Published
Jump to reading order
Affiliate links: We may earn a commission on purchases made at no extra cost to you.
Reading order

The Recommended Chronicles of Barsetshire Reading Order

To fully experience Anthony Trollope’s masterful creation of a fictional English county, we highly recommend reading the six books in their original publication order. The timeline of the county and the lives of its inhabitants progress chronologically alongside the publication dates:

  1. The Warden (1855) – The brief but brilliant starting point that introduces the moral dilemma of the gentle cleric Septimus Harding.
  2. Barchester Towers (1857) – Often considered the funniest and most popular entry, introducing the scheming Obadiah Slope and the formidable Mrs. Proudie.
  3. Doctor Thorne (1858) – A standalone-friendly tale of wealth, class, and secret inheritance centering on the local country doctor and his niece.
  4. Framley Parsonage (1861) – A cozy story of social ambition, featuring the young vicar Mark Robarts and introducing the political family of Plantagenet Palliser.
  5. The Small House at Allington (1864) – A moving exploration of unrequited love and social maneuvering, featuring the resilient Lily Dale.
  6. The Last Chronicle of Barset (1867) – The epic, emotionally resonant conclusion that wraps up the arcs of the county’s most beloved characters.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Unlike some sprawling fantasy or historical series, there is no separate chronological order for the Chronicles of Barsetshire. Trollope wrote the books sequentially, and the passage of time in the fictional county mirror-images the years in which the novels were published and read. Reading them out of order will spoil major character developments, births, marriages, deaths, and career shifts among the recurring clergy and gentry.

Where to Begin: The Warden vs. Barchester Towers

While The Warden is the logical first step and is relatively short, some readers find its focus on a specific ecclesiastical lawsuit a bit dry. If you struggle with it, you can jump directly into Barchester Towers, which is much more comedic and lively. However, starting with The Warden remains the safest bet as it sets up the vital characters and rivalries that fuel the rest of the series.

The Shared Universe: Connecting to the Palliser Series

If you finish the Chronicles of Barsetshire and find yourself missing Trollope’s style, you can transition directly into his next major six-book sequence, the Palliser series (also known as the Parliamentary Novels). The two series exist in a shared universe: characters like the Duke of Omnium and Lady Glencora are introduced in the Barsetshire novels before becoming key figures in the political struggles of the Palliser books.

Angela Thirkell's 20th-Century Barsetshire Homage

For a unique modern spin-off, mid-20th-century author Angela Thirkell published a series of 29 lighthearted social comedy novels between 1933 and 1961 set in Trollope's fictional county. Beginning with High Rising (1933), her books feature descendants of Trollope's original families, such as the Luftons and the Crawleys, living through the pre- and post-WWII eras.

Frequently Asked

QWhere is the best place to start reading the Chronicles of Barsetshire?

We recommend starting with The Warden (1855). It is the shortest book in the series and introduces key characters, settings, and conflicts that carry over into the rest of the novels.

QCan you read the Chronicles of Barsetshire books as standalones?

Yes, each novel is a complete, self-contained story. However, reading them in order is highly recommended to appreciate the development of the county and the long-term character arcs.

QHow many books are in Trollope's Chronicles of Barsetshire?

There are exactly six novels in the original series published between 1855 and 1867.

QWhat is the connection between the Barsetshire and Palliser series?

They exist in a shared universe. Several characters, including the Duke of Omnium, Lady Glencora, and Plantagenet Palliser, cross over between the clerical world of Barsetshire and the political arena of the Palliser series.

QAre there any modern spin-offs or sequels set in Barsetshire?

Yes. Mid-20th-century author Angela Thirkell wrote a series of 29 comic novels set in Barsetshire starting with High Rising (1933), which feature the descendants of Trollope's original characters.

QWhich Chronicles of Barsetshire book is considered the best?

Barchester Towers is widely considered the most popular and humorous entry, while the final volume, The Last Chronicle of Barset, is frequently praised as Trollope's emotional masterpiece.