The second novel of the "Chronicles of Barsetshire" series, this 1857 work continues the story of Mr. Harding and his daughter Eleanor in a satirical moral comedy. Upon the death of the much-respected bishop, the citizens fully expect his son, an archdeacon, to fill the vacancy. Much to their consternation, however, a newcomer, Bishop Proudie, is given the position. A struggle for power ensues between these traditional and new forces, in which Proudie's overbearing wife and distasteful curate Mr. Slope vie for the selection of the new warden of the local hospital. Clerical reinforcements are called in, and the results are more than satisfactory for Eleanor and other citizens of the beautifully crafted cathedral city of Barchester.