Laurence Sterne

When we look back at the great English authors of the 18th century, we can’t help but note the contributions of Laurence Sterne. Perhaps best known for his masterpiece, The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, Sterne’s unique and humorous style has earned him a place in the literary canon.

Laurence Sterne was born in Clonmel, Ireland, on November 24, 171 The earliest known recording of the family is from 1353 in County Waterford, Ireland. His father, Roger Sterne, was an army officer and deeply religious; his mother, Elizabeth, a daughter of a wealthy family in York. In 1733, Sterne attended Jesus College at Cambridge, where he earned a degree in bachelors of law in 1737. After graduation, he served as a curate in various Anglican parishes until 1759 when he married Elizabeth Lumley and began writing in earnest.

The publication of Sterne’s first long work, The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, in 1759 sparked immediate popularity. Utilizing a different approach to narrative than the novel had previously seen, Tristram Shandy quickly became a success both in the UK and US, and was the source of many inspirational quotes and sayings, including his famous “tummy-rumbling” quote.

The release of Sterne’s next works—A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy in 1768 and The Sermons of Mr Yorick in 1764—did not meet with the same success as Tristram Shandy. While he had been a popular author among the public, the literary establishment felt the work was more akin to excessive sentimentality than great literature.

Despite that fact, Sterne was a popular author and was often cited for his unique voice and narrative techniques. Often associated with breaking traditions in the novel, Sterne’s works sometimes included non-linear story lines, digressions, and humorous asides that challenged conventions and produced a unique style.

In addition to being an innovative storyteller, Sterne was also a skilled letter writer and a warm, generous friend. His letters document the travels of his contemporaries, reveal stories of his own life, and show the close observations of his inner circle.

Sterne passed away in 1768 after a bout of pneumonia. His legacy, however, continues today and he is celebrated by noted contemporary authors such as Martin Amis and Julian Barnes.

All in all, Laurence Sterne was one of the most important and influential authors in the history of English literature. His unique style and inventive approach to the novel have been both inspirational and influential to generations of readers and writers. His life and works remain an important part of the literary zeitgeist and his place among great authors of the 18th century firmly established.