An Autobiography

An Autobiography chronicles Anthony Trollope's life from his difficult childhood through his dual careers as a postal worker and novelist in Victorian England. The work covers his family background, education, professional development, and rise to literary success. Trollope provides detailed accounts of his writing process, including his early-morning writing routine and systematic approach to producing novels. He discusses the business aspects of publishing and his relationships with editors, critics, and fellow authors of his era. The memoir includes Trollope's experiences traveling for the Post Office throughout Ireland and later across the globe, which informed many of his literary works. He documents his involvement in establishing postal routes and his parallel pursuit of fox hunting alongside his professional duties. The autobiography offers insight into Victorian literary culture and publishing while exploring themes of perseverance, self-discipline, and the intersection of art and commerce. Trollope's direct style and frank discussion of his methods challenged romantic notions about artistic inspiration.

Readers value Trollope's direct and honest account of his writing process, particularly his discussion of treating writing as a disciplined profession rather than waiting for inspiration. Many appreciate his detailed descriptions of his early struggles, career in the postal service, and methodical approach to producing novels. Common praise focuses on his candidness about money, commercial aspects of publishing, and his matter-of-fact attitude toward his work. Several reviews note the autobiography's usefulness for aspiring writers. Some readers find his tone self-congratulatory and the postal service sections tedious. A few reviewers criticize his dismissive comments about other authors and what they perceive as boasting about his writing speed and output. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (50+ ratings) "Refreshingly honest about the business of writing" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much focus on postal work, not enough on his actual books" - Amazon reviewer "The most practical writing advice you'll ever read" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🎯 Anthony Trollope wrote his autobiography in 1875-76 but requested it not be published until after his death, making it a uniquely candid Victorian memoir. 📝 While working as a postal inspector, Trollope invented the iconic British red pillar box (mail collection box), which he first introduced in 1852 on the Channel Islands. 💰 Trollope reveals in the autobiography that he earned exactly £68,939 17s. 5d. from his books over his lifetime – an exceptional level of detail that shocked Victorian readers who considered it vulgar to discuss money so precisely. ⏰ He maintained a strict writing schedule, rising at 5:30 AM and producing 250 words every 15 minutes before heading to his day job at the Post Office. 🌍 The autobiography caused controversy upon publication in 1883 because it demystified the creative process – Trollope portrayed writing as a methodical craft rather than divine inspiration, which many fellow authors found offensive.