William Makepeace Thackeray 
The History of Henry Esmond, Esq. (Barnes & Noble Digital Library) 

Thackeray’s 1852 historical novel recounts the story of the early life of Henry Esmond, a colonel in the service of Queen Anne. Set against the backdrop of English life and the events surrounding the English Restoration—the novel features characters both factual and imagined. Using memoir, Henry tells his tale as the illegitimate son of George, a ranking member of English nobility.

About the author

William Makepeace Thackeray (1811–1863), a British satirical writer, also wrote magazine articles and travel books. His most devoted readers were lords and ladies, whom he satirized in his works. He is best known for his novels Vanity Fair and The Luck of Barry Lyndon, which skewer the pretensions of English high society.