The Palliser family comes to the forefront in a classic novel of politics and propriety from the series that inspired the BBC serial The Pallisers. With the Whigs and Tories at a standstill in attempts to form a working government, a compromise is finally reached, and the hardworking-and hardheaded-Plantagenet Palliser is installed as prime minister. But even as he gets used to the power and privilege of the high office, Palliser slowly and distressingly realizes that the government he leads is too fragile and disparate to actually accomplish anything. His own obstinate nature does not help matters. At home, Palliser's wife, Glencora, causes more chaos as she attempts to support her husband in any way, going as far as to suggest that her daughter's dubious suitor attempt to stand for Parliament. Subject to political embarrassment and personal turmoil, the Palliser family will have to decide on whose side they stand if they are to survive major scandal. In the penultimate installment of his epic Victorian saga, Anthony Trollope interweaves every last thread in anticipation of a truly climactic dénouement. The Prime Minister is the 5th book in the Palliser Novels, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.