The Vicar Of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith (Hardcover)

“The Vicar of Wakefield” is a novel by the Irish writer Oliver Goldsmith, first published in 1766. The novel tells the story of Dr. Primrose, a country vicar who is both naive and optimistic. He lives with his wife and six children in the village of Wakefield, and is well-liked by his parishioners.

The novel follows the fortunes of the Primrose family, who are plunged into poverty after a series of misfortunes, including the loss of their fortune and the elopement of their daughter with a dashing young man. Despite these setbacks, Dr. Primrose remains steadfast in his faith and his belief in the essential goodness of humanity.

Through Dr. Primrose’s trials and tribulations, Goldsmith satirizes the hypocrisy and moral corruption of the upper classes, and celebrates the virtues of the humble and the poor. The novel is also a commentary on the changing social and economic landscape of 18th-century England, as the rise of the middle class and the growth of commerce challenge traditional hierarchies and values.

“The Vicar of Wakefield” is a charming and entertaining novel, with a warm and sympathetic portrayal of its central character. It is also an important work of 18th-century literature, with its satire and social commentary influencing writers such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.