Doctor Thorne is the third entry in the series of novels collectively known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire by Anthony Trollope. The novel was originally published in 1858. In addition to being the third in the series, Doctor Thorne is also the seventh novel overall published by the notoriously prolific author. One element which sets this book apart from the truly impressive body of work produced by Trollope is that the plot was actually suggested by his brother, Thomas Adolphus. The subsequent commercial success came as quite an unexpected surprise to both men.
In fact, the legacy of Doctor Thorne is that it remained one of the author's most popular novels—if not, indeed, his most popular one. The irony is that by the time Trollope crafted his autobiography, he would come to criticize it as being overly reliant on its intricately plotted novel. This may or may not be a swipe at his brother, but it must be approached within the context of Trollope's recognized talent for crafting stories more dependent upon memorable characterization than tightly knitted plotlines.
The title character, Dr. Thomas Thorne, has shared the popularity of his titular appearance in the Chronicles by going on to become one of Trollope's most popular characters. As indicated by the series title, the story takes place in the rural village of East Barsetshire. As is often the case with Trollope's novels, the storyline provides a framework for a critique of economic inequality and class division. The portrait of the English village at a time when the British Empire was just on the verge of reaching its height of power and influence as a place where democratic ideals are being extolled makes the book a rather rebellious entry in 19th century British literature.
In addition, despite his later oblique critique of the plot, the novel is also notable for the ways in which his narrator makes sardonic commentary on the intricacy of the plotting. This element of the storytelling is handled in such a way that it very nearly qualifies as an early example of postmodernism. This would make the novel even more rebellious since it was published well before the advent of modernism to which postmodernism itself is a rebellious reaction.
In 2016, actor Tom Hollander starred as the doctor in a three-part television adaptation of the novel originally airing on ITV in the United Kingdom. The series was Julian Fellowes' follow-up to his iconic Downton Abbey which aired its original series finale just months before the premiere episode of Doctor Thorne.
