Monday, February 4, 2019
Biography of William Makepeace Thackeray:
William Makepeace Thackeray (1811–1863) was an English novelist and satirist best known for his classic novel "Vanity Fair."
Here is a brief biography of William Makepeace Thackeray:
William Makepeace Thackeray's Early Life:
1. Birth: William Makepeace Thackeray was born on July 18, 1811, in Calcutta, British India. His father, Richmond Thackeray, was an Anglo-Indian civil servant, and his mother, Anne Becher, was the daughter of a prominent English merchant.
2. Orphaned Early: Thackeray's father died when he was only four years old, and he was sent to England to live with relatives. His mother later joined him, but she died when he was 17.
Education:
1. Thackeray attended various boarding schools in England, including Charterhouse School in London.
2. He later studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, but he left without completing his degree.
Early Career:
1. After leaving Cambridge, Thackeray traveled extensively on the Continent and tried his hand at various occupations, including studying law in Germany.
2. He also worked as a journalist and contributed to several magazines, using pseudonyms like "Michael Angelo Titmarsh."
Marriage and Family of William Makepeace Thackeray:
1. In 1836, Thackeray married Isabella Shawe. They had three daughters, but Isabella suffered from mental health issues and was institutionalized.
2. Thackeray faced financial struggles, and his wife's illness had a profound impact on his life.
Literary Career:
1. Thackeray's first significant work was the semi-autobiographical novel "Catherine" (1839).
2. He gained fame with the publication of "Vanity Fair" (1847–1848), a satirical novel that remains one of his most celebrated works. The novel offers a panoramic view of English society during the early 19th century.
Other Major Works:
1. Thackeray wrote numerous novels, including "The History of Pendennis" (1848–1850), "The Newcomes" (1853–1855), and "The Virginians" (1857–1859).
2. He was also known for his contributions to various periodicals, where he often wrote satirical sketches and essays.
Lectures and Editorship:
1. Thackeray delivered a series of popular lectures on the English Humorists of the 18th Century, which were later published.
2. He served as the editor of the Cornhill Magazine from 1860 to 1862.
Death of William Makepeace Thackeray:
1. William Makepeace Thackeray died suddenly on December 24, 1863, in London, at the age of 52.
2. He was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery.
Legacy:
1. Thackeray's novels are celebrated for their wit, keen observation of society, and satirical commentary on human nature.
2. "Vanity Fair" remains a classic of English literature, admired for its social critique and memorable characters.
William Makepeace Thackeray's works continue to be studied and appreciated for their literary merits and insightful portrayal of Victorian society.