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The Irish Sketchbook
William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863) was an English novelist of the 19th century. He was famous for his satirical works, particularly Vanity Fair (1847), a panoramic portrait of English society. Thackeray began as a satirist and parodist, with a sneaking fondness for roguish upstarts like Becky Sharp in Vanity Fair, Barry Lyndon in Barry Lyndon (1844) and Catherine in Catherine (1839). In his earliest works, writing under such pseudonyms as Charles James Yellowplush, Michael Angelo Titmarsh and George Savage Fitz-Boodle, he tended towards the savage in his attacks on high society, military prowess, the institution of marriage and hypocrisy. His writing career really began with a series of satirical sketches now usually known as The Yellowplush Papers, which appeared in Fraser's Magazine beginning in 1837. Between May 1839 and February 1840, Fraser's published the work sometimes considered Thackeray's first novel, Catherine. His other works The Fitz-Boodle Papers (1842), Men's Wives (1842), The History of Pendennis (1848), The History of Henry Esmond, Esq., (1852), The Newcomes (1853) and The Rose and the Ring (1855).
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First published January 1, 1843
About the author
William Makepeace Thackeray
4,619 books1,367 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 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 24, 2021
A book of its time. It's marked by a lot of anglo centrism and prejudice. Remarkably little account is taken of the beginnings of the great famine. It's an indulgent account of his journey. It's interesting to get his perspective but the entire volume is questionable in the historical context.
December 7, 2025
It's very much a product of it's time. Easy too read but very mean to the Irish. When Thackeray went to Limerick and all the Irish shopkeepers were ignoring him and charging him double I Agree!
December 8, 2025
Thackeray’s travel writing in The Irish Sketch-book is witty, observant, and tinged with a sympathy that grows as the pages unfold. He arrived in Ireland with curiosity, some prejudices, and his sketchbook — and what he produced is a blend of travelogue, cultural commentary, humour, and light satire.
He observes landscapes, people, customs, inns, postmasters, beggars, priests, landlords, and the endless contradictions of 19th-century Ireland with an eye trained for human detail.
Sometimes he mocks, sometimes he admires, sometimes he simply marvels.
What makes the book stand out is the slow deepening of Thackeray’s compassion. Early chapters lean on stereotypes; later ones reveal his awareness of Ireland’s struggles under poverty and colonial injustice. You can see his perspective shifting in real time.
The Sketch-book isn’t perfect — but it’s honest, sharp, and insightful, showing Thackeray trying to understand a complex country through humour, empathy, and constant observation.
A lively Victorian travelogue that still crackles with personality.
He observes landscapes, people, customs, inns, postmasters, beggars, priests, landlords, and the endless contradictions of 19th-century Ireland with an eye trained for human detail.
Sometimes he mocks, sometimes he admires, sometimes he simply marvels.
What makes the book stand out is the slow deepening of Thackeray’s compassion. Early chapters lean on stereotypes; later ones reveal his awareness of Ireland’s struggles under poverty and colonial injustice. You can see his perspective shifting in real time.
The Sketch-book isn’t perfect — but it’s honest, sharp, and insightful, showing Thackeray trying to understand a complex country through humour, empathy, and constant observation.
A lively Victorian travelogue that still crackles with personality.
September 9, 2015
Excellent and very readable account of a trip through pre-famine Ireland. Includes some highly intelligent and pertinent observations on the state of a nation. Recommended.
August 1, 2016
absenteeism. sutteeism. Tralee chapter 1 August 2016
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews