
Listeners will discover a lively panorama of 18th‑century verse that captures both the gentle charm of the countryside and the sharp edge of social satire. Goldsmith’s poems move from tender reflections on nature and love to witty commentaries on the follies of his day, all rendered in clear, melodic language that still feels fresh. His skillful use of classical allusion and plain‑spoken humor invites the ear to linger on each line, while the occasional melancholy adds depth to the collection.
This edition is enriched with period illustrations that evoke the world Goldsmith inhabited, giving a visual companion to the spoken words. An introductory biography sketches his modest upbringing, his university years, and the travels that shaped his perspective, providing context without spoiling the poems themselves. Whether you are new to his work or revisiting a beloved favorite, the listening experience offers a graceful blend of charm, insight, and timeless poetry.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (146K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow, Charlie Howard, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2015-08-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

d. 1774
Known for mixing wit, warmth, and sharp social observation, this 18th-century Irish writer gave the world the novel The Vicar of Wakefield, the poem The Deserted Village, and the comedy She Stoops to Conquer. His work moves easily between humor and feeling, which helps explain why it has lasted so long.
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