Laurence Sterne

Born in Clonmel, Ireland, on 24 November 1713, Laurence Sterne grew up in a military family and spent much of his early life moving from place to place. He later studied at Jesus College, Cambridge, and became an Anglican clergyman, eventually serving in Yorkshire.

Sterne's fame arrived suddenly with The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, published in installments from 1759 to 1767. The novel delighted readers with its comic voice, constant detours, and refusal to tell a story in any ordinary way. He followed it with A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy in 1768, another influential work that mixed humor with feeling.

What still makes Sterne feel fresh is how modern his writing can seem: conversational, mischievous, and happily unpredictable. He died in London on 18 March 1768, but his playful style went on to influence generations of novelists who admired his freedom with form and his sharp sense of human nature.