Facts about William Makepeace Thackeray: Author of the Novel ‘Vanity Fair’

William Makepeace Thackeray is the author of many 19th Century satirical works including the popular novel Vanity Fair. Mr. Thackeray lived until the age of 52, from 1811 – 1863 primarily in England. This wonderful novelist and poet began his early career in journalism and, while highly educated, attending prestigious schools like Cambridge, Mr. Thackeray did not confer an actual degree. In his adult life, William was the recipient of a large inheritance and used the money to launch two newspapers: The National Standard and The Constitutional.

Here are a few facts about William Makepeace Thackeray:

• William Makepeace Thackeray was born in Calcutta, India and later lived his life in England.
• Mr. Thackeray was a free spirit and had many life experiences that he drew upon for his literature.
• William was an illustrator and also studied law and fine arts.
• The novel Vanity Fair is based on satire and English society from his personal experiences.
• William was escalated to a credible novelist after finishing Vanity Fair at the age of 37.
• Mr. Thackeray was a gambler and is rumored to have lost some of his inheritance to the habit.
• William deeply loved his wife. She fell mentally ill after their third child was born.
• William Makepeace Thackeray studied caricature art in Paris.
• Mr. Thackeray worked in London for Fraser’s Magazine and Punch.
• William Makepeace Thackeray was born July 18, 1811 and passed away on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1863 after suffering a stroke.

William Makepeace Thackeray is one of the most influential authors of our time. While difficult to list his many fine works of literature, he is best known for The Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Vanity Fair, Pendennis, The Newcomers and The History of Henry Esmond. Paralleling his writing career, Mr. Thackeray also ran for parliament but did not have any success. At the end of his life he accepted a brief editor position with Cornhill Magazine. William Makepeace Thackeray is buried in Kensal Green, in an area of London, England and memorialized at Westminster Abbey.