Virginians

The Virginians, first serialized between 1857 and 1859, stands as a sprawling historical sequel to Thackeray's earlier masterpiece, Henry Esmond. Set during the eighteenth century, the narrative follows the descendants of the Esmond family as they navigate the shifting loyalties and complex societal tensions of the American Revolutionary era, reflecting Thackeray's own fascination with the historical nuances of the mid-1700s.

Thackeray both authored the text and provided his own characteristic illustrations for the original serial publication. His artistic approach aimed to capture the satiric, observational tone of the narrative, often favoring a modest, sketch-like quality that underscored his cynical view of social climbing. While early criticism noted a perceived lack of the tight focus found in his previous novels, the work remains a significant contribution to the Victorian historical fiction genre.