The Book of Snobs (eBook)

William Makepeace Thackeray (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
242 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654741815-3 (EAN)

Infos

William Makepeace Thackeray's "The Book of Snobs" is a keen social satire that deftly dissects the myriad strata of Victorian society, exposing the pretensions and absurdities of the upper class. In a series of essays, Thackeray employs a witty, sardonic tone and a mix of humor and incisive observation that distinguishes his literary style. By framing his critique within the context of the rapidly evolving social landscape of 19th-century England, he illuminates the delusions of grandeur that plague those he defines as 'snobs,' encompassing not only the wealthy but also those who aspire to rise above their station, thereby bridging class divides through laughter and ridicule. Thackeray's own life experiences as a member of the upper-middle class, coupled with an education that took him through various European cities, deeply influenced his perspectives on class and identity. His experiences in journalism and as a novelist enriched his understanding of societal hierarchies, enabling him to articulate the folly and vanity of social climbers with both compassion and biting critique. "The Book of Snobs" originated from his desire to confront the snobbery prevalent in society and reflect on the human condition, anchoring it in both clarity and humor. This book is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the complexities of social behaviors and the nuances of class dynamics. Thackeray's sharp wit, coupled with his empathetic understanding of frailty, not only entertains but prompts deeper reflection on the nature of vanity and pride. "The Book of Snobs" remains a timeless exploration of human folly, making it essential reading for scholars, social historians, and casual readers alike.

Autor

William Makepeace Thackeray, born on July 18, 1811, in Calcutta, British India, was a renowned English novelist of the 19th century, best known for his satirical works that provided a keen observation of Victorian society. He was educated at Charterhouse and subsequently at Trinity College, Cambridge, though he left without obtaining a degree. Thackeray began as a journalist and illustrator but soon turned to fiction. His breakthrough came with the serialized publication of 'Vanity Fair' (1847-1848), which remains one of his most acclaimed novels to this day. His literary style is characterized by a piercing wit, an acute sense of irony, and a deep humanitarianism, which enable him to portray the foibles and hypocrisies of the upper classes with both humor and compassion. One of his other notable works, 'The Book of Snobs' (1848), is a seminal examination of social snobbery, and is a fine example of his ability to critique society through shrewd observation and engaging character sketches. In this work, and others, Thackeray's narrative voice is known for directly addressing the reader, creating an intimate and conspiratorial tone. Despite experiencing personal tragedies, including the profound loss of his wife's sanity, Thackeray's output remained prolific until his death on December 24, 1863. His contributions to literature have earned him a place among the great Victorian novelists, alongside contemporaries such as Charles Dickens and Anthony Trollope.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 21.11.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Comic / Humor / Manga ► Humor / Satire
• Themenwelt: Sozialwissenschaften ► Ethnologie ► Volkskunde
• Schlagworte: 19th century British humor • 19th century commentary • acerbic wit • British classic literature • character-driven storytelling • class distinctions • class dynamics critique • Comedy of Manners • cultural absurdities exposure • cultural critique • English elite • English literature • historical humor books • historical satire • human behavior • Humor • humor and wit • literary humor • Middle-class norms • mock-heroic narrative • satirical humor • Satirical Literary Style • satirical literature • snobbery in literature • snobbery observations • Snobs and snobbishness • Social commentary • social commentary fiction • Upper class pretensions • Victorian era satire • Victorian social satire • Victorian society • William Makepeace Thackeray works