E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Vanity Fair.
A fair established by Beelzebub, Apollyon, and Legion, for the sale of all sorts of vanities. It was held in the town of Vanity, and lasted all the year round. Here were sold houses, lands, trades, places, honours, preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms, lusts, pleasures, and delights of all sorts. (Bunyan: Pilgrim’s Progress, pt. i.)
