William Makepeace Thackeray Libri

Set in the second half of the eighteenth century, Barry Lyndon is the fictional autobiography of an adventurer and rogue charmer whom the reader is led to distrust from the very beginning. Born into the petty Irish gentry, and outmanoeuvred in his first love-affair, a ruined Barry sets off and joins the British army. After service in Germany he deserts and, after a brief spell as a spy, pursues the career of a gambler in the dissolute clubs and courts of Europe. In a determined effort to enter fashionable society he marries a titled heiress, but finds he has met his match. First published in 1844, Barry Lyndon is Thackeray's earliest substantial novel, and in some ways his most original, reflecting his views of the true art of fiction: to represent a subject, however unpleasant, with accuracy and wit, and not to moralize. The text is that of George Sainsbury's 1908 Oxford edition which restores passages cut when the novel was revised in 1856. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

A collection of satirical works on English society in the mid 19th century and attributed with coining the word snob in its current usage.This humorous study begins with the assertion that 'Snobs are to be studied like other objects of Natural Science'.

The narrative centers on Catherine Hayes, an 18th-century criminal executed for her husband's murder, as Thackeray critiques the glorification of crime in contemporary literature. By choosing Hayes, he aims to present a starkly unflattering portrayal, contrasting with the romanticized depictions found in the works of authors like Bulwer-Lytton and Dickens. Thackeray's intention is to challenge the moral implications of crime fiction, offering a more realistic and harsh view of criminality, thereby marking a significant departure from the prevailing literary trends of his time.

Culturally significant, this work has been preserved from its original artifact, maintaining authenticity with original copyright references and library stamps. It serves as a vital piece of the knowledge base of civilization, reflecting the historical context and importance of the material. The reproduction aims to honor the integrity of the original text, making it a valuable resource for scholars and readers interested in historical works.

Known for his sharp satire, Thackeray's works provide a vivid portrayal of 19th-century English society, particularly through characters like Becky Sharp in Vanity Fair. He began his literary career with satirical sketches, later developing into a novelist whose themes often critique high society, marriage, and hypocrisy. His notable works include Catherine, The Fitz-Boodle Papers, and The History of Pendennis, showcasing his talent for blending humor with social commentary. Thackeray's unique voice and keen observations make his contributions to literature enduring.