Laurence Sterne

Laurence Sterne

15 books
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About the Author

Laurence Sterne (1713-1768) was an innovative Anglo-Irish novelist and clergyman whose experimental approach to fiction revolutionized the literary landscape of the 18th century. Born in Clonmel, Ireland, to an army officer father, Sterne studied at Cambridge and took holy orders, serving as a vicar in Yorkshire. His most celebrated work, The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, published in nine volumes between 1759 and 1767, defied conventional narrative structures with its digressive style, playful typography, and meta-commentary on the art of writing, earning him both acclaim and controversy. Sterne's later novel, A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy, further explored themes of emotion and travel. Though his health declined due to tuberculosis, his witty, humane portrayals of human folly and sentiment continue to influence modern literature, as evidenced by his inclusion in prestigious anthologies like The Complete Harvard Classics.

Common genres
Anthology classic literature Classics Fiction Fiction Collection History Literature Philosophy world literature
Writing style
experimental digressive humorous

Books by Laurence Sterne