Washington Duke is very young when he first realizes there is racial discrimination in the South. Living outside of Hillsboro, North Carolina, in the mid-1820s, he is one of ten children in a family that shares the wilderness with bears, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions. Washington learns about the world around him from his scholarly father, nurtures a compassion for others, and eventually grows into a man deeply troubled by the institution of slavery. Unaware of what awaits him, Washington is conscripted into the Confederate Army and reluctantly leaves his three-hundred-acre farm in 1864 to fight in the war. When the Civil War is over, Washington is left widowed, with nothing but his farm, two blind mules, a wagon load of tobacco, and his four children. Determined to rise from the rubble, Washington soon begins building the foundation for the Duke financial empire although not without challenges. As Washington ages, his sons eventually capture his dream to establish Duke University. Even with the family's successes, though, there is tragedy and heartache; Washington's granddaughter, Doris, dies under suspicious circumstances in 1993 and her estate becomes embroiled in a legal battle. Based on a true story, this compelling and inspirational tale examines the life of a gentle giant and his descendants who together built a multibillion-dollar empire, numerous charitable foundations, and a renowned academic institution, proving that anyone can overcome adversity to achieve greatness.

Three novels of an aristocratic British family and the world of parliamentary politics—the basis for the BBC adaptation. Also known as the Parliamentary Novels, the fourth, fifth, and sixth books in Anthony Trollope’s series follow the lives of an aristocrat, his wife, and the political and social circles in which they move. Phineas Redux: The ever-ambitious Irish rogue Phineas Finn, now widowed and restless, is pulled back into the game of parliamentary politics. The Prime Minister: With the Whigs and Tories at a standstill in their attempts to form a working government, a compromise is finally reached and Plantagenet Palliser is installed as prime minister—but it will soon bring turmoil, both personal and professional. The Duke’s Children: Plantagenet Palliser must face new challenges and a changing world if he is to hold his family together in the final installment of the Palliser Novels.

The ever-ambitious Irish rogue Phineas Finn is pulled back into the game of Parliamentary politics in this classic novel from Anthony Trollope. After his beloved wife dies in childbirth, a bored and restless Phineas Finn is compelled to seek out the never-ending war of will and words within the English Parliament. Still considered a promising prospect of the younger generation, he is welcomed back into the fold. Upon his return to London, Phineas renews his friendship with the wealthy widow Madame Max Goesler, whose offer of marriage he had once turned down. But he soon finds an enemy in Mr. Bonteen, who distrusts Phineas’s loyalty to the party, and the two become harsh rivals. And when Bonteen is murdered, Phineas finds both his political fortunes and his very life in the balance. With his trademark humor and humanity, Anthony Trollope takes readers on another adventure full of heart and hope. As with the captivating Phineas Finn, Phineas Redux will have you rooting for this irrepressible protagonist all over again. Phineas Redux is the 4th book in the Palliser Novels, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.

Ever since the cruel death of her beloved brother, David at the Battle of Waterloo, Lady Ilina Bury’s father, the fifth Duke of Tetbury, has taken out his grief on her and now he too has died and his will reiterates his contempt of her. He leaves the beautiful nothing but the extremely valuable collection of jewels that had been given to his ancestor, the second Duke of Tetbury, by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The trouble is that, although legendary, these jewels are also almost certainly mythical and Ilina and David have been searching Tetbury Abbey for them for years without any success. All but destitute she dreads the arrival of her father’s heir and rather than be a burden, she decides to pretend that she is a paid employee of the poverty-stricken estate. And when the handsome new Duke finally does arrive from the Far East, he is visibly disappointed by what he sees, but worse still he says that he intends to abandon the estate, all its loyal staff and close up The Abbey for ever. He very quickly sees through Ilina’s disguise and then she shows the Duke round the dilapidated house and estate and regales him with the family’s illustrious history over many centuries. Although she despises him, she uses all her charms to persuade the Duke to stay and do his duty for his distinguished and aristocratic family. And, as little by little he yields, so Ilina’s heart slowly opens to love.

Anthony Trollope's 'The Complete Palliser Novels' is a collection of all six novels in one edition, showcasing Trollope's signature style of intricate plotlines, rich character development, and social commentary. Set in the Victorian era, these novels delve into the political and personal lives of the Palliser family, offering a nuanced exploration of power, ambition, and morality. Trollope's detailed descriptions and engaging narrative draw readers into the world of British aristocracy and politics, making the reader feel like a participant in the characters' lives. The novels are a must-read for those interested in Victorian literature and the complexities of human relationships and societal norms.

This carefully crafted ebook: "The Palliser Novels: Complete Parliamentary Chronicles (All Six Novels in One Volume)” is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents. The Palliser novels are six novels, also known as the "Parliamentary Novels", by Anthony Trollope. The common thread is the wealthy aristocrat and politician Plantagenet Palliser and (in all but the last book) his wife Lady Glencora. The plots involve British and Irish politics in varying degrees, specifically in and around Parliament. Plantagenet Palliser is a main character in the Palliser novels. First introduced as a minor character in The Small House at Allington, one of the Barsetshire novels, Palliser is the heir presumptive to the dukedom of Omnium. Palliser is a quiet, hardworking, conscientious man whose chief ambition in life is to become Chancellor of the Exchequer. After an unwise flirtation with the married Lady Dumbello (daughter of Dr. Grantly and granddaughter of the Reverend Mr Harding from The Warden and Barchester Towers), he agrees to an arranged marriage with the great heiress of the day, the free-spirited, spontaneous Lady Glencora M'Cluskie. Table of Contents: Can You Forgive Her? Phineas Finn The Eustace Diamonds Phineas Redux The Prime Minister The Duke's Children Anthony Trollope (1815-1882) was one of the most successful, prolific and respected English novelists of the Victorian era. Some of his best-loved works, collectively known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire, revolve around the imaginary county of Barsetshire. He also wrote perceptive novels on political, social, and gender issues, and on other topical matters. Trollope's literary reputation dipped somewhat during the last years of his life, but he regained the esteem of critics by the mid-twentieth century.