Anthony Trollope's Thackeray is part biography, part tribute, and part literary analysis. Published in 1879, it was one of the first books in the 'English Men of Letters' series. Trollope traces Thackeray's life from his early years and education, through his initial struggles as a writer and illustrator, to his monumental success with Vanity Fair and his later years as a literary lion. The book covers his work for magazines like Punch, the creation of his major novels, and his lecturing tours in America.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot. Instead, Trollope builds a portrait. He walks us through Thackeray's career, book by book, explaining what made each one significant. He talks about Thackeray's famous satire, his skill with character, and his sometimes sentimental streak. But he also paints a picture of the man—his financial troubles early on, his kindness to other writers, his love for his daughters, and the melancholy that seemed to follow him despite his fame. Trollope doesn't shy away from criticism, either. He points out where he thinks Thackeray's moralizing as a narrator gets in the way of the story, or where a character might feel incomplete. The 'story' is really the story of a friendship and a professional rivalry, seen through the respectful but clear-eyed lens of one storyteller examining another.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a rare treat because it feels so personal. You're not getting a distant, academic critique. You're getting Trollope's opinion, for better or worse. His voice is everywhere. You can feel his admiration for Thackeray's wit and his towering imagination, but also his frustration when Thackeray's methods differ from his own (Trollope was famously disciplined; Thackeray was not). It’s like watching a master carpenter review the work of a master painter—the respect is there, but so is a completely different perspective on craft. The most moving parts are where Trollope simply misses his friend, and that warmth cuts through any literary debate.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone who loves 19th-century literature. If you've enjoyed Vanity Fair or Barchester Towers, this book adds a whole new layer to your understanding. It's perfect for readers who are curious about the people behind the classics and the sometimes messy, human world of publishing in Victorian England. It's not a fast-paced page-turner, but a thoughtful, engaging, and surprisingly intimate look at one giant of literature, written by another.