More Lemony Snicket

So last night I read the sixth book in the series. I'd have preferred to have waited, because the fifth book hasn't come from our library yet, but ah, well. Two literary references jumped off the page at me. One was an obvious reference to Thomas Pynchon, as Lot #49 was referred to several times regarding an auction.

The other reference might not have been as obvious, although it really hit me between the eyes. Let's see if a) anyone reads this blog, and b) anyone knows the reference. One of the major characters in the sixth book was Esme Squalor. So, quiz time: where does that name come from?