The Vicar of Wakefield

5b Oliver Goldsmith. Paris: Theophilus Barrois, 1784. Second Edition.

Notes

The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith, published in 1766, is a classic novel that blends sentimentality, morality, and gentle satire. It follows the life of Dr. Charles Primrose, a virtuous and optimistic country vicar whose once-prosperous family faces a series of misfortunes—including financial ruin, betrayal, and scandal. Despite these trials, Dr. Primrose maintains his faith and moral integrity, ultimately leading to a resolution where virtue is rewarded and wrongs are righted. The novel explores themes such as the endurance of family, the value of forgiveness, and the contrast between appearance and true character.

The Vicar of Wakefield was immensely popular in its day and left a lasting impact on English literature. Both Charles Dickens and Jane Austen referenced the book in their own works—Dickens often spoke fondly of it, and Austen included it in the reading habits of her characters, such as in Emma. Their admiration helped solidify the novel's status as a beloved and influential piece of 18th-century fiction. Its blend of gentle humor, emotional depth, and moral clarity continues to resonate with readers today.

Description

Original brown calf leather binding with gilt borders on upper and lower boards. Red leather label on spine with gilt lettering. Red speckled edges. Bumped points. General wearing to leather along spine and splotched on upper and lower boards. Smudge on page 273. Leather patch to upper left corner of upper board. Fully intact. Fine condition overall.