The Vicar of Wakefield
The Vicar of Wakefield
Book Brief
116
Novel • Fiction
•
British Literature•
Historical FictionEngland • 18th Century
1766
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Vicar of Wakefield, written by Oliver Goldsmith in 1766, follows Dr. Charles Primrose, a country vicar who experiences a series of misfortunes, including financial ruin, deceitful suitors, and imprisonment, only to ultimately see his faith and resilience rewarded. Sensitive topics include familial betrayals, forced marriages, and abduction.
Bittersweet
Humorous
Melancholic
Heartwarming
Romantic
Reviews & Readership
10,493 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The majority of reviews for The Vicar of Wakefield praise Goldsmith's engaging prose and gentle humor, highlighting the novel's timeless themes of family and virtue. While some readers find the plot overly sentimental and predictable, the book's rich characterizations and social commentary are widely appreciated. A charming, though sometimes idealized, depiction of 18th-century rural England.
Who Should Read The Vicar of Wakefield?
A reader who enjoys classic, pastoral literature with themes of social satire and morality would appreciate The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith. Comparable to Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Fielding's Tom Jones, it appeals to those who favor character-driven narratives highlighting 18th-century rural life and human nature.
10,493 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Vicar of Wakefield was reportedly completed in 1766 and has the distinction of having been published by the famous bookseller John Newbery, who was a pioneer in children's literature.
Samuel Johnson, a close friend of Oliver Goldsmith, is said to have helped in the sale of the manuscript to bookseller Francis Newbery for 60 pounds while Goldsmith was in desperate financial straits.
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The novel gained popularity not only in English-speaking countries but also across Europe, with translations appearing soon after its publication, influencing many writers like Goethe and Sir Walter Scott.
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116
Novel • Fiction
•
British Literature•
Historical FictionEngland • 18th Century
1766
Adult
18+ years
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