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.