Laurence Sterne

Born in Clonmel, Ireland, in 1713, Laurence Sterne spent much of his life in England and was educated at Jesus College, Cambridge. He became an Anglican clergyman and later held a living in Yorkshire, where he wrote for many years before literary fame arrived.

That fame came suddenly with The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, published in installments from 1759 to 1767. Its playful structure, constant detours, and intimate, conversational humor made it feel startlingly new, and Sterne quickly became one of the most talked-about writers of his day. He also wrote A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy, published in 1768.

Sterne died in London in 1768, but his work has had a long afterlife. Readers and critics still return to him for his comic timing, emotional warmth, and the sense that he was experimenting with what a novel could be long before that became common.