The Four Georges

by William Makepeace Thackeray

Thackeray's lectures on the Georgian reigns have usually been published in connection with other of his shorter works, and in consequence have often failed to receive the attention of the general reader. These pictures of English life in the eighteenth century are charming, piquant, and accurate - sketches of the manners, morals, court and town life during the reign of George I, George II, George III and George IV.

135 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1861

About the author

William Makepeace Thackeray was an English novelist, satirist, and journalist, best known for his keen social commentary and his novel Vanity Fair (1847–1848). His works often explored themes of ambition, hypocrisy, and the moral failings of British society, making him one of the most significant literary figures of the Victorian era.
Born in Calcutta, British India, he was sent to England for his education after his father’s death. He attended Charterhouse School, where he developed a distaste for the rigid school system, and later enrolled at Trinity College, Cambridge. However, he left without earning a degree, instead traveling in Europe and pursuing artistic ambitions.
After losing much of his inheritance due to bad investments, Thackeray turned to writing for a living. He contributed satirical sketches, essays, and stories to periodicals such as Fraser’s Magazine and Punch, gradually building a reputation for his sharp wit and keen observational skills. His breakthrough came with Vanity Fair, a panoramic satire of English society that introduced the enduring character of Becky Sharp, a resourceful and amoral social climber.
Thackeray’s later novels, including Pendennis (1848–1850), The History of Henry Esmond (1852), and The Newcomes (1853–1855), continued to explore the lives of the English upper and middle classes, often focusing on the contrast between personal virtue and social ambition. His historical novel Henry Esmond was particularly praised for its detailed 18th-century setting and complex characterization.
In addition to his fiction, Thackeray was a noted public speaker and essayist, delivering lectures on the English humorists of the 18th century and on The Four Georges, a critical look at the British monarchy.
Despite his literary success, he lived with personal struggles, including the mental illness of his wife, Isabella, which deeply affected him. He remained devoted to his two daughters and was known for his kindness and generosity among his friends and colleagues.
His works remain widely read, appreciated for their incisive humor, rich characterizations, and unflinching critique of social pretensions.

Reviews

[John Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written when Victoria was on the throne and 'Victorianism' beginning to emerge as the fashion/passion of the English. Victoria is contrasted as something of a saint, beside these 4 monarchs who reigned before her (not immediately so: she succeeded her uncle who had the misfortune to be called William [IV], and therefore did not fit the book's immediate criteria).

The 4 passages seem to have been delivered as lectures. They are pretty flowery in parts and Thackeray makes the point, wisely, that he is no historian.

He certainly sees these monarchs as fallible and individually odd but there is a rather grudging admiration for the first three and George III in particular. He reserves a bucketful of contempt for George IV.

As well as being pretty readable there's some colourful descriptions and anecdotal information about the Kings' contemporaries.

An enjoyable read which I keep in the downstairs loo (on a shelf!) and glance at from time to time and chuckle.

[Jemidar · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5 stars.

This lecture series, first given on a speaking tour of the US, is interesting from several perspectives as these lectures are about the time period in which several of Thackeray's books are set, most famously Vanity Fair, and very much reflect some of the more satirical elements of those novels. It was also interesting to get an insight into the frivolous Georgians from a more sober and socially aware Victorian point of view.

These are probably mostly of interest to Thackeray/Vanity Fair fans but they are also, in some ways, valuable documents on Victorian thinking. What they aren't are potted biographies of the four kings concerned so it would be advisable to at least know the basics about Georges I, II, III & IV before reading.

[Pam Shelton-Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such a hard time getting through this book, even though I know it is an older work. It meandered somewhat aimlessly more in the style of a lazy gossip.

[Avis Black · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've enjoyed other work by Thackerary, but The Four Georges is not his best writing.