William Makepeace Thackeray

Eager to leave his humble beginnings, Redmond Barry, runs multiple scams, conning his way into the military and pursuing the fortune of a young widow. For every momentous achievement, he's riddled with a bittersweet result. Redmond Barry is born into a poor Irish family and desires to become a man of status and means. Although ambitious, he's naturally mischievous and has no interest in doing things the right way. After falling into debt, he joins...

George Brandon, an impoverished gentleman, scorns the family he lodges with, but decides to amuse himself by attempting to seduce the daughters, ultimately setting his sights on the youngest. His casual amusement, however, ends with the very real threat of a duel. Self-delusion, snobbery, and an obsession with money are the underlying themes in this engrossing tale.