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Thackeray: Prodigal Genius
A new approach to Thackeray. Although this study embraces all his work, it switches attention from his late novels, and bases the case for his imaginative vitality on the multifarious material - reviews, travel books, burlesques, Punch articles - that he turned out, mostly under severe financial stress, at the start of his writing career. Here was the breeding ground of Vanity Fair; here we find the subversive Thackeray, foe of humbug and high art, waylaying snobbery and the cant of social reformers with bravura and buffoonery - the Thackeray who, in Trollope's words, 'laughed, and ate, and drank, and threw his pearls about with miraculous profusion.' In portraying the range and intensity of Thackeray's imagination, topics singled out light and painting; ballet dancers; pantomime; haute cuisine; time's ruins; and the rainbow realm of commerce. The picture of Thackeray, as man and artist, that emerges, is fresh and challenging.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 20, 2013
‘Prodigal Genius’ is the best kind of literary criticism. It’s insightful, funny, and stuffed like a Christmas pudding with delicious Thackerayan titbits. In some ways I would as soon read this book about Thackeray as Thackeray’s actual books: through its wise commentary and judicious selections Carey evokes all that is best in Thackeray, and warns against the worst. If you are at all inclined to venture on the copious works of Thackeray, this is an excellent roadmap. It is impossible to read it without wanting to seek out the obscure originals (and something of a relief to be ‘let off’ the later novels).
Carey wrote a book, ‘Pure Pleasure’, in which he judged the ‘classics’ purely on the pleasure to be had from reading them. ‘Prodigal Genius’ – partnered with Carey’s similar treatment of Dickens, ‘Violent Effigy’ – would certainly figure highly in such a consideration of critical literature.
Carey wrote a book, ‘Pure Pleasure’, in which he judged the ‘classics’ purely on the pleasure to be had from reading them. ‘Prodigal Genius’ – partnered with Carey’s similar treatment of Dickens, ‘Violent Effigy’ – would certainly figure highly in such a consideration of critical literature.
February 23, 2018
A masterly, entertaining and thorough critique of his works, with more attention to his journalism than has been given by other commentators. Deeply researched, lightly applied.
June 28, 2013
It was an insightful interpretation of Thackeray's writings. Unfortunately, I have not taken the time to read anything by Thackeray and therefore am unable to give my opinions of these interpretations. I enjoy reading literary criticism as it helps me find books to read. I do not know when I will get to Thackeray. I did take "Vanity Fair" out of the library. I believe I own a copy of "The Newcomes" so I now know that I must get to them soon.'
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews