Thomas Bastard was an English writer known for his unique contributions to the genre of autobiographical literature in the 19th century. His most notable work, 'Autobiography of Cockney Tom,' offers a vivid and humorous portrayal of the life of a working-class Londoner, reflecting the social realities and cultural nuances of Cockney life. Through his engaging narrative style, Bastard captured the struggles and triumphs of everyday people, providing a rare glimpse into the experiences of the lower classes during a time of significant social change in England. Bastard's writing is characterized by its authenticity and wit, making him a distinctive voice in the literary landscape of his era. Although not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, his work has been appreciated for its candidness and the way it challenges the prevailing literary norms of his time. His legacy lies in his ability to elevate the stories of ordinary individuals, contributing to the broader discourse on class and identity in Victorian literature.
“If I had a message to my contemporaries it is surely this: Be anything you like, be madmen, drunks, and bastards of every shape and form, but at all costs avoid one thing: success . . . If you are too obsessed with success, you will forget to live. If you have learned only how to be a success, your life has probably been wasted.””
“I mention all this to all of you for a reason. I want to make sure all of you”
“Time is the bastard offspring of an incestuous act that God committed upon reality." Merlin to Arthur in "Arthur Rex””