The Three Clerks

Anthony Trollope's *The Three Clerks* (1857) is set within London's Civil Service and draws on Trollope's own experiences as a junior clerk. The novel follows three clerks: Harry Norman, Alaric Tudor, and Charley Tudor. Harry falls in love with Gertrude Woodward, while Alaric pursues Linda, the second daughter of a clergyman's widow. Gertrude rejects Harry's proposal, leading Alaric to win her hand as he rises through the ranks, causing tension between the friends. Harry eventually marries Linda and becomes a country squire, while Alaric's ambition leads him into schemes with a corrupt politician, Undy Scott, resulting in his downfall.

Charley, known as a rake, falls for Katie, the youngest sister, after rescuing her from drowning. Despite being engaged to an Irish barmaid, Charley's relationship with Katie is strained when Katie's mother forbids contact.

• Trollope wrote* the novel quickly between February and August 1857, publishing it in December 1857 by Richard Bentley. The book was praised for its portrayal of Civil Service life but criticized for chronological errors and heavy-handed social commentary. Modern reviews found its courtship elements trite and its characterization overly harsh.

Overall, *The Three Clerks* explores themes of ambition, morality, and redemption through the lives of its clerical characters.