William Thackeray was a prominent English novelist and satirist born on July 18, 1811, in Calcutta, India. He is best known for his novel Vanity Fair, published in 1847-1848, which offers a critical look at early 19th-century British society. Thackeray's writing style combines humor and social commentary, making his works both entertaining and thought-provoking. Thackeray was educated at Charterhouse School and later studied at Cambridge University. Throughout his career, he wrote several novels, essays, and articles, often exploring themes of class, ambition, and morality. He passed away on December 24, 1863, leaving a lasting impact on English literature.