There's a great power of imagination about these little creatures, and a creative fancy and belief that is very curious to watch . . . I am sure that horrid matter-of-fact child-rearers . . . do away with the child's most beautiful privilege. I am determined that Anny shall have a very extensive and instructive store of learning in Tom Thumbs, Jack-the-Giant-Killers, etc.

Biography
Thackeray an only child was born in Calcutta India where his father Richmond Thackeray (1 September 1781 – 13 September 1815) was secretary to the board of revenue in the British East India Company. "
Tragedy struck in his personal life as his wife succumbed to depression after the birth of their third child in 1840. Thackeray is also British comedian Al Murray's great-great-great-grandfather.

: /ˈθækəri/ (18 July 1811 – 24 December 1863) was an English novelist of the 19th century. He was famous for his satirical works particularly Vanity Fair a panoramic portrait of English society.