Vanity Fair

:This article is on the novel, Vanity Fair. "Vanity Fair" is also the name of a large-circulation American glamour magazine. See Vanity Fair magazine and was also the name of a 1960s UK pop group recording on Page One Records.

Related Topics:
Vanity Fair magazine - Page One Records

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The novel Vanity Fair: A Novel without a Hero by William Makepeace Thackeray satirizes middle-class English society of the early 19th century. As usually is the case with many 19th century novels, Vanity Fair was published serially in Punch magazine in 1847 and 1848 before being committed to book form. It was the first work that Thackeray published under his own name, and was extremely well-received and popular at the time. Some editions had illustrations by Thackeray himself, unfortunately lost in most present editions.

Related Topics:
Novel - William Makepeace Thackeray - Middle-class - 19th century - Punch magazine

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thackeray made clear as the narrator and in his private correspondence that the book was meant not to be only entertaining, but instructive as well. Although being a very rich novel, some say that it possesses some structural problems. Thackeray sometimes lost track of the huge scope of his work, mixing up characters' names and minor plot details. Also, the number of allusions and references make it a rewarding, albeit tough read.

Related Topics:
Thackeray

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The title is a reference to John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.

Related Topics:
John Bunyan's - Pilgrim's Progress

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The novel has inspired several film adaptations.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~