Publisher's Synopsis
Henry Esmond and Lovel the Widower is a novel written by William Makepeace Thackeray and published in 1869. The book is a sequel to Thackeray's earlier novel, The History of Henry Esmond, and follows the life of the eponymous character as he navigates the social and political landscape of 18th century England.The novel is divided into two parts, the first of which follows Henry Esmond as he becomes embroiled in the political machinations of the time, including the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. Along the way, he falls in love with a young woman named Beatrix, but their relationship is complicated by her own political ambitions and the fact that she is already engaged to another man.The second part of the novel focuses on the character of Lovel, a wealthy widower who becomes entangled in a scandal involving his deceased wife's family. As he tries to clear his name and regain his reputation, he is drawn into a web of intrigue and deceit that threatens to destroy him.Throughout the book, Thackeray explores themes of love, loyalty, honor, and the corrupting influence of power. He also provides a vivid portrayal of life in 18th century England, with its rigid social hierarchies, political intrigues, and cultural norms.Overall, Henry Esmond and Lovel the Widower is a compelling and engaging novel that showcases Thackeray's skill as a writer and his ability to capture the complexities of human relationships and the society in which they exist.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.