The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray. Short summary

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Barry Lyndon, an adventurer from 18th-century Ireland, marries a wealthy widow and tries to infiltrate English high society. But he is unable to obtain a title, and his heir has dispossessed him.

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The novel is set in the 18th century. Redmond Barry, an Irishman, lives in his mother’s rural home. He enlists in the army. There he becomes an adventurer and defects during the Seven Years’ War.

The Prussians recruit Redmond into their army. There he makes a career. Under the guise of a footman, he follows the Chevalier de Balibar and plays a double game. The chevalier turns out to be a cheat, and he and Barry travel around Europe making money. Barry decides to settle down and marry a rich bride.

Barry marries the widow of the English ambassador, Countess Lyndon, and takes the surname Barry Lyndon. He leaves his wife and the ambassador’s child on the estate in the care of his mother, while he leads a dissipated life in the capital. Barry wants a noble title and spends money on bribes.

Lord Bullington, the ambassador’s son and heir, quarrels with Barry and leaves. Barry’s son dies and he begins to drink. Bulington challenges Barry to a duel and wounds him in the leg. He offers him a rent of 500 guineas to leave the family. Barry agrees.