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Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esq.

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By: (1811-1863)

Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esq. by William Makepeace Thackeray is a gripping tale of ambition, deceit, and redemption. The story follows the life of Redmond Barry as he navigates the cutthroat world of 18th-century Europe in his quest for wealth, power, and social status.

Thackeray's writing is witty, sharp, and full of dark humor, making for an engaging and entertaining read. The character of Barry Lyndon is complex and morally ambiguous, which adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. The author does a fantastic job of depicting the harsh realities of society at the time, shedding light on the lengths to which people would go to achieve their desires.

The book is rich in historical detail and offers a fascinating glimpse into the social norms and customs of the period. Thackeray's intricate prose and vivid descriptions bring the world of Barry Lyndon to life, immersing the reader in a bygone era of decadence and extravagance.

Overall, Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esq. is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Thackeray's masterful storytelling and keen insight into the human psyche make this book a must-read for fans of classic literature.

Book Description:
First published as a serial in Fraser's Magazine in 1844 as The Luck of Barry Lyndon, The Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esq is a picaresque novel, narrated by a member of the 18th-century Irish gentry. Redmond Barry, later Barry Lyndon, describes his rise to - and inevitable fall from - the top of the English aristocracy. Romantic, military and political intrigue, as well as satire and pathos, follow. Editorial notes, courtesy of Thackeray's fictitious alter ego, G. S. FitzBoodle, interject further levels of irony, humour and detachment.

Thackeray, who based the novel in part on the life and exploits of the Anglo-Irish rake and fortune-hunter Andrew Robinson Stoney, among other historical sources, significantly revised and reissued the book in 1856 under its current title.

Its unreliable, morally dubious narrator, metafictional editor, and multiple layers of interpretive possibility make it a fascinating precursor to the modern novel, while Thackeray's characteristic interest in the specifics of 18th-century life ensures a rich and engaging backdrop.

In 1975, Stanley Kubrick adapted the book for his film Barry Lyndon, since widely regarded as one of the finest films ever made.

This audiobook was read from a 1902 edition edited by Walter Jerrold, who provides a brief introduction. - Summary by mb


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