William Makepeace Thackeray
Set in England during the reign of Queen Anne, The History of Henry Esmond recounts the life of a bastard nobleman entangled in political intrigue, romantic confusion, and moral struggle. Written as a memoir, the novel explores themes of legitimacy, loyalty, and disillusionment against the backdrop of Jacobite rebellion and aristocratic maneuvering. Thackeray’s richly detailed prose and ironic tone lend emotional depth to this classic tale of identity and allegiance.William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863) was famous for his satirical novels, particularly Vanity Fair, a panoramic portrait of English society of the 19th century.