The rose and the ring

The Rose and the Ring is a comic fairy tale for children, which Thackeray wrote and illustrated himself. It is set in the imaginary kingdoms of Paflagonia and Crim Tartary, where princes, princesses, usurpers and fairies become tangled in intrigue. Two magical gifts, a rose and a ring, make their wearers seem irresistibly charming, and cause much trouble. The story pokes fun at royalty, flattery and vanity, while gently showing that goodness and wit matter more than beauty. It is playful, silly and affectionately mocking.