Vanity Fair. A Novel Without a Hero

London: Bradbury & Evans, 1848 Illustrated by Thackeray. First edition, mixed issue, with the engraved title page dated 1848, lacking the "Marquis of Steyne" woodcut on page 336, with "Mr. Pitt" for "Sir Pitt" on page 453, advertisement leaf for "The Great Hoggarty Diamond" at front. Original publisher's blind-stamped green cloth, spine lettered in gilt. A very good copy, recased with the original cloth laid down, corners bumped and lightly worn, spine rubbed. Internally, some toning and small tear, a minor repair to the last plate at page 623. A good, sturdy copy. Shepherd 78. Vanity Fair is the first novel Thackeray published under his own name and is widely considered one of his greatest achievements. It is a satirical tale that presents a panoramic view of mid-19th century English society. Notably, Vanity Fair established Thackeray's literary reputation in England and awarded him both fame and fortune. Indeed, as the Encyclopaedia Britannica praises, "the narrative skill, subtle characterization, and descriptive power make it one of the outstanding novels of its period.". First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good.