There can be no doubt that both collections by Aplin will enhance scholar's understanding of Thackeray but their greatest contribution will be to researchers of Anne Thackeray Ritchie's life. Clare Horrocks: Journal of Victorian Culture, Vol. 17 (2), 2012. "John Aplin has succeeded in resituating Thackeray the public author within a domestic, private history of daughters, cousins and generations. ... Read more[...] Aplin writes well, balancing a sense of drama with a judicious use of evidence to make this family history compelling and readable." Judith L. Fisher, English Studies, 94:5, 620 - 622 14th July 2013 John Aplin's incredibly detailed two-volume biography of the Thackeray family is another profoundly excellent addition to Thackeray studies. Years Work in English Studies, Vol. 92, No. 1, 2013 John Aplin has succeeded in resituating Thackeray the public author within a domestic, private history of daughters, cousins and generations. [...] Aplin writes well, balancing a sense of drama with a judicious use of evidence to make this family history compelling and readable. Judith L. Fisher, English Studies, Vol. 94, No.5, August 2013 Show Less