William Makepeace Thackeray 
Vanity Fair 

Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray is a masterful depiction of early 19th-century British society, renowned for its irony and satirical prowess. The novel revolves around the lives of two contrasting heroines, Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley, navigating a world obsessed with social status and wealth. Thackeray’s incisive wit cuts through the pretensions and hypocrisies of the ‘fair’, painting a vivid picture of a society in flux during the Napoleonic Wars.

This panoramic work, subtitled A Novel Without a Hero, challenges traditional storytelling by presenting deeply flawed yet compelling characters. Thackeray explores themes of morality, social climbing, and the pursuit of wealth, all set against the backdrop of a society preoccupied with appearances. Vanity Fair is celebrated not only for its critical view of society but also for its rich character development and intricate plot. It remains a cornerstone of English literature, offering timeless insights into human nature and social dynamics.