A biographical and critical study of one "English Literary Great" by another. In this biographical sketch of the great 19th century English novelist and poet, who the author knew personally for some years, Trollope writes: "He passed through the course of mingled failure and success which, though the literary aspirant may suffer, is probably better for the writer and for the writings than unclouded early glory." Thackeray's writings were originally published in Fraser's Magazine and Punch, and Trollope discusses Thackeray's novels Vanity Fair, Pendennis, and Henry Esmond, as well as Thackeray's burlesques, lectures, ballads, and finally, his style and manner of work. Trollope uses a tone that is historical and critical. This is an interesting study into the obscure, little-known life and work of a writer whose works have become classics of English literature.