Anthony Trollope was a prolific Victorian writer. Trollope's best-loved works were known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, which center on the imaginary county of Basetshire. He wrote penetrating novels on political, social, and gender issues and conflicts. When Trollope returned to England after eighteen months in the colonies, he was horrified by the rampant immorality he found. An Old Man's Love was originally published in 1918. William Whittlestaff at age 50 becomes guardian to orphaned Mary Lawrie. William finds himself falling in love with her. Mary is in love with John Gordon who has gone off to seek his fortune.