Castle Rackrent

Castle Rackrent, published in 1800, is a pioneering novel by Maria Edgeworth, often considered the first historical novel in English literature. Narrated by the loyal but naïve servant Thady Quirk, the story chronicles the decline of an Anglo-Irish estate due to the mismanagement of its reckless landlords. Edgeworth’s satirical portrayal of social and economic decay is both humorous and incisive, offering early commentary on class tensions and colonial misrule in Ireland. The novel’s innovative narrative style and social realism influenced generations of writers.