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The Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esq.- Round About Papers
This vintage book contains William Makepeace Thackeray 1844 picaresque novel, "The Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esquire." It is the story of Barry Lydon, a member of the Irish Gentry who attempts to transition to English Aristocracy. The beginning of his life is fraught with duels and wars, and he eventually makes his fortune as a gambler. The character of Barry Lyndon was based on the life and exploits of the Anglo-Irish fortune-hunter Andrew Robinson Stoney. A fantastically clever and often humourous tale, "The Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esq." constitutes a worthy addition to any bookshelf, and is a veritable must-read for fans of Thackeray s masterful work. William Makepeace Thackeray (1811 - 1863) was an esteemed English novelist during the nineteenth century. He became famous for his satirical novels, the most important and influential of which was "Vanity Fair." Many antiquarian texts such as this are increasingly hard to come by and expensive, and it is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition. It comes complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author."
Paperback
Published October 31, 2014
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About the author
William Makepeace Thackeray
5,171 books1,310 followersWilliam 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 26, 2021
An exceptional book and story of the life and times of Barry Lyndon, his character, his motives, his inspiration, greed and in the end, humanity.
It is a good window into the world of that time and the film was a fantastic and fitting modernisation of this classic by Thackeray. A good story about the rise and fall of a character told in an entertaining way.
I recommend this book. It is a classic for a reason!
It is a good window into the world of that time and the film was a fantastic and fitting modernisation of this classic by Thackeray. A good story about the rise and fall of a character told in an entertaining way.
I recommend this book. It is a classic for a reason!
February 25, 2016
How such a great book could be such an awful movie is beyond me.
May 13, 2025
The more I read this book, the more I liked it. Not to enamored with Mr. Barry, but interesting and fun nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews