to consolidate his support. Together they make their way to the centre of society and, like Phineas Finn before them, they find it hollow. The novel is haunted by the mysterious Ferdinand Lopez whose pernicious influence the Duke and Duchess cannot escape. Though their relationship is far from perfect, their love for one another is as convincingly and movingly portrayed as any in English fiction. The Prime Minister (1876), described by Tolstoy as a 'beautiful book', is the fifth of the six Palliser novels (1864-80). Together they provide an exceptionally rich and telling exposé of the British way of life during the period of its greatest prestige.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

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