William Makepeace Thackeray was an English novelist born on July 18, 1811, known for his historical fiction, particularly 'Vanity Fair.' The novel critiques societal aspirations for fame and fortune, highlighting the superficial nature of vanity and moral complexities through characters like Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley. Thackeray's works explore themes of temptation, social criticism, and the fleeting nature of true virtue amid the chaos of Victorian society.