Vanity Fair

?All is vanity nothing is fair.? First published as a 19-volume monthly series from 1847 to 1848 Thackeray's Vanity Fair is a satire on the early 19th century British genteel. Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars Vanity Fair charts the contrasting fortunes of two young women Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley as they venture out into the world together. The naïve Amelia is faced with the prospect of a good marriage but war and unexpected circumstances thwart all her hopes and dreams. Becky scorned for her lack of money uses her wits and charm to escape her destiny as a governess. Richly entertaining Vanity Fair engages readers with its comedy wit and timely wisdom.