Originally published in 1871, Ralph the Heir revolves around two men named Ralph. One is the nephew and legal heir of Squire Gregory Newton. The other is the squire's beloved illegitimate son and preferred heir. The fortunes and misfortunes of the actual heir, as he desperately seeks to pay off his debts and marry a woman of good social standing, form the core of the novel. Particularly noteworthy is the book’s description of a corrupt Parliamentary election—probably based on Trollope's own experience as a candidate.