Duke's Children Complete: Extended edition

The Duke of Omnium is alone in the world and must become deeply involved with his children, who vex him with school expulsions, gambling debts, and romantic attachments. Despite his eldest child, Lord Silverbridge, becoming a Conservative, the book explores change and the relationship between father and son. It is a masterpiece of Victorian fiction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 736 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In the wake of the untimely passing of his beloved wife, two years after stepping down from his position as Prime Minister, the Duke of Omnium finds himself alone in the world, with no one to turn to for guidance. However, his responsibilities to his children force him to confront them for the first time in a long while. The children, whom he had previously neglected due to his preoccupation with politics, present him with a daunting challenge. They are plagued by school expulsions, mounting gambling debts, and what he perceives as catastrophic romantic entanglements. Despite his best efforts, the Duke struggles to control and mold his children into the individuals he desires them to be.

Even when his eldest child, Lord Silverbridge, embarks on a political career, the Duke grapples with a profound sense of heartache. Lord Silverbridge chooses to align himself with the Conservative party, defying the family tradition that has been passed down for generations. This decision creates a rift between father and son, as the Duke grapples with the disappointment of witnessing his beloved child deviate from the path he had envisioned for him.

The relationship between the Duke and his children is intricately portrayed, with remarkable subtlety. Trollope delves into the complexities of change, exploring how both the young and the old resist, tolerate, or embrace it. The novel becomes a poignant and often humorous exploration of the human condition, offering a profound reflection on the nature of growth, transformation, and the enduring bonds between family members.

Trollope made a difficult decision to cut approximately 65,000 words from the original manuscript of The Duke's Children at a vulnerable point in his career. However, after a meticulous reconstruction by a team of researchers, the final book in Trollope's renowned Palliser series can now be read in its original form. It is a testament to the author's enduring legacy and a masterpiece of Victorian fiction.

In conclusion, The Duke's Children is a poignant and captivating novel that delves into the complexities of family relationships, societal expectations, and the transformative power of change. Through its vivid characters and rich narrative, it offers a profound exploration of the human condition, leaving a lasting impression on readers of all ages.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198835875