Dover Thrift Editions Series Goldsmith"s only novel, The Vicar of Wakefield, is also considered his finest work Rich with wisdom and gentle irony, the story tells of an unworldly and generous vicar who lives contentedly with his large family until disaster strikes. But bankruptcy, his daughter"s abduction, and the vicar"s imprisonment fail to conquer his spirit. First published in 1766, this book soon became - and has since remained a classic. Dover"s edition will be the lowest priced on the market.