The History of Pendennis

The History of Pendennis follows the coming-of-age of Arthur Pendennis, a young man of modest means and romantic illusions, as he navigates love, ambition, and society in early 19th-century England. From his sheltered upbringing to his struggles as a writer in London, Pen confronts vanity, heartbreak, and moral compromise. Through his evolving relationships—with his devoted mother, loyal friend Warrington, and the elusive Laura—he gradually matures into a wiser, more compassionate man. Thackeray blends satire and sentiment to critique social pretension while offering a nuanced portrait of youthful idealism tempered by experience.