Vanity Fair (Collector's Edition) (Laminated Hardback with Jacket)

Collector's Edition Laminated Hardback with Jacket

Sharp-tongued, ambitious, and utterly relentless, Becky Sharp refuses to accept the limits society places on her, clawing her way up the ranks of England's elite with charm, wit, and ruthless cunning. In contrast, her sweet-natured friend Amelia Sedley believes in love, loyalty, and honor-virtues that offer little protection in a world ruled by wealth and status. As war looms and fortunes shift, both women navigate the treacherous landscape of high society, where betrayal lurks behind every polite smile. Glittering ballrooms, scandalous affairs, and the unrelenting pursuit of power collide in a dazzling satire of human vanity and ambition.

A scathing satire of 19th-century British society, Vanity Fair exposes the hypocrisy, greed, and relentless ambition that define the upper classes. Thackeray's razor-sharp wit and unflinching realism set the novel apart from the sentimental fiction of its time, offering a bold critique of a world where morality bends to power and wealth. Through its unforgettable anti-heroine, Becky Sharp, the book challenges traditional notions of virtue, making it a groundbreaking work in literary realism. More than just a novel, Vanity Fair serves as a mirror to human nature, proving that the pursuit of status and success remains as relevant today as it was two centuries ago.

Born in Calcutta, British India, in 1811, William Makepeace Thackeray was sent to England for schooling after his father's death in 1815. He attended Charterhouse School, which he later satirized as "Slaughterhouse" in his works, and briefly studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, before leaving to travel Europe. During his travels, he met literary figures like Goethe in Weimar.After squandering his inheritance on gambling and unsuccessful ventures, Thackeray turned to journalism and writing to support himself. He contributed to publications such as Fraser's Magazine, The Times, and Punch, where his satirical pieces gained popularity. His personal life was marked by tragedy when his wife, Isabella Shawe, suffered from mental illness, leading to her long-term institutionalization.Thackeray's literary career reached its pinnacle with the publication of Vanity Fair in 1847-1848, a novel that offered a scathing critique of British society. He continued to write notable works like Pendennis and The History of Henry Esmond, solidifying his reputation as a leading novelist of the Victorian era. Despite declining health, he remained active in literature until his death in 1863.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.