The Rose and the Ring Or the History of Prince Giglio and Prince Bulbo

G.P. Putnam's Sons. Knickerbocker Nugget. Very Good+. A "White and Gold" "Knickerbocker Nugget." A lovely small volume bound in white and trimmed in gold, with gold cover design and gold-gilt edges. 209 pp. with eight pages of ads in the rear of the book. The cover is slightly soiled and the spine slightly sunned, otherwise a lovely solid copy. Would make a very sweet gift for a rare book collector.

"The Rose and the Ring" was written just two years before the release of Thackeray's "The Virginians," which was released by the well known Bradbury & Evans. "The Rose and the Ring" carries Thackeray's characteristic criticisms of monarchy, high society rules and the status quo notions of beauty. The original edition contained illustrations designed by Thackeray himself, who had once dreamed of a career as an artist/illustrator. Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki chose this title in 2010 for his list of 50 essential children's books.

William Thackeray is best known for his satirical masterpiece "Vanity Fair" but also famed for "The Luck of Barry Lyndon," which Stanley Kubrick adapted to film in 1975. Thackeray was born in Calcutta, during British colonial rule, and spent the majority of his early works unleashing criticism on the dreadful formalities of British aristocracy. A proficient novelist and poet, he left behind more than two dozen works for readers to enjoy.