The Bertrams: A Novel (1859), by Anthony Trollope (Complete Set Volume 1, and 2)

The Bertrams was published in 1859 during a prolific period of Anthony Trollope's career. Coming shortly after the success of his Barsetshire novels, this work was written while Trollope was traveling extensively for the Post Office, reflecting his disciplined approach to authorship. The narrative centers on themes of marriage, financial ambition, and the struggle to align personal desires with social expectations, capturing the anxieties of mid-Victorian society with the author's characteristic blend of irony and keen psychological observation.

The design and tone of the novel were heavily influenced by Trollope's desire to transition away from the clergy-focused narratives that defined his earlier fame. While he personally later regarded the book with some dissatisfaction, believing the plot lacked the vitality of his best work, it remains a significant artifact of his development as a novelist. The two-volume structure was standard for the era’s three-decker publishing model, intended to provide readers with a substantial, immersive experience that could be enjoyed in installments or as a collected set.