a novel (1766) by Oliver Goldsmith . It is about a vicar (= a Church of England priest) who is kind and honest but experiences several disasters in his life, such as his house burning down and his son being put in prison. After many complicated adventures the book ends happily.
VICAR OF WAKEFIELD
Meaning of VICAR OF WAKEFIELD in English
Oxford guide to British and American culture English vocabulary. Руководство по британской и американской культуре, Оксфордский английский словарь. 2005