Vanity Fair

by William Thackeray
Vanity Fair cover
Good Books rating 4.67
Literary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99–£11.99 Hardback • £25.00
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 10431
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9780192834430
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
  • Published: 1998-01-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

Vanity Fair is a classic epic that spans from the bustling streets of London to the battlefields of Waterloo, offering a sharp commentary on the ethical principles society claims to uphold. Through the lives of Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley, the novel delves into themes of ambition, love, and the often hollow nature of social conventions. /n/n Considered one of the greatest social-satirical novels in English, this edition includes all of the author's own illustrations, adding a unique visual dimension to the narrative. The story is a timeless exploration of human nature and the pursuit of status and wealth.

Reviews
RR Horton's Blog · 2022-03-20
excellent 4.50

The book is archly funny, biting, and absorbing. It is one of the great Victorian novels.

This reviewer found "Vanity Fair" to be a delightful and engaging read. The humor is sharp and the characters are vividly drawn, making the novel both entertaining and thought-provoking. They appreciate the biting satire and the absorbing narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The novel's reputation as one of the great Victorian works is well-deserved, according to them.

Quick quotes

    "The book is what its reputation says -- one of the great Victorian novels."

    "It is archly funny, biting, and absorbing."

    "The characters are vividly drawn, making the novel both entertaining and thought-provoking."

Rose Reads Novels · 2021-10-25
great 4.50

A delightful read from start to finish. Thackeray's writing is engaging and captivating.

The reviewer found their re-read of "Vanity Fair" to be a delight from start to finish. They appreciate Thackeray's ability to captivate readers with his engaging writing style. The novel's exploration of characters and their motivations is particularly noteworthy, making it a compelling read. They believe Thackeray's understanding of human nature is evident throughout the novel.

Quick quotes

    "My re-read of Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray was a delight from start to finish."

    "Thackeray was a writer who knew what made his characters tick."

    "The novel's exploration of characters and their motivations is particularly noteworthy."

Brontë Babe Blog · 2018-10-30
brilliant 5.00

This novel is considered one of the best ever read. The review praises Thackeray's writing style and the excellent summary of the novel.

The reviewer considers "Vanity Fair" to be probably the best novel they have ever read. They are particularly impressed with Thackeray's writing style, which they find exceptional. The review provides an excellent summary of the novel, highlighting its strengths and the reviewer's admiration for Thackeray's craft. They believe the novel stands out as a masterpiece of literature.

Quick quotes

    "I consider it probably the best novel I have ever read."

    "This was an excellent summary of the novel and great review of Thackeray's writing style."

    "This novel stands out as a masterpiece of literature."

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