Abington Abbey: A Novel

"Abington Abbey: A Novel" by Archibald Marshall is a fictional work written during the early 20th century. The story begins with the Grafton family as they explore the potential purchase of an idyllic country estate called Abington Abbey. With themes of family dynamics, social relationships, and the adjustments that come with moving from city life to a country setting, the characters, particularly the affable George Grafton and his daughters, present a picture of an upper-middle-class family navigating their new surroundings. The opening portion establishes the Graftons' excitement about acquiring Abington Abbey and introduces their close-knit family life, characterized by warmth and affection. George, a banker, shares a moment with his daughter Caroline as they discuss the estate's impressive features, setting the tone for a new chapter in their lives. The narrative weaves through their preparations for the move, showcasing their thoughts about the transition and their hopes for a fulfilling life in the countryside. The expectations of new friendships with local families and the anticipation of new experiences enhance the sense of adventure that lies ahead for the Graftons in this promising new home. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Arthur Hammond Marshall, better known by his pen name Archibald Marshall, was an English author, publisher and journalist whose novels were particularly popular in the United States. He published over 50 books and was recognised as a realist in his writing style, and was considered by some as a successor to Anthony Trollope. Educated at Cambridge University, he was later made an honorary Doctor of Letters by Yale University. He travelled widely and made numerous notable acquaintances.