Vanity Fair An Authoritative Text Backgrounds and Contents Criticism

"'Vanity Fair', though it does not include the whole extent of Thackeray's genius, is the most vigorous exhibition of its leading characteristics. In freshness of feeling, elasticity of movement, and unity of aim, it is favorably distinguished from its successors, which too often give the impression of being composed of successive accumulations of incidents and persons, that drift into the story on no principle of artistic selection and combination....Take from 'Vanity Fair' that special element of interest which comes from Thackeray's own nature, and it would lose the greater portion of its fascination. It is not so much what is done, as the way in which is is done, that surprises and delights; and the manner is always inimitable, even when the matter is common."Thackeray, William Makepeace is the author of 'Vanity Fair An Authoritative Text Backgrounds and Contents Criticism', published 1994 under ISBN 9780393965957 and ISBN 0393965953.