Oliver Goldsmith
Biography
Oliver Goldsmith (1728–1774) was an Anglo-Irish novelist, playwright, and poet, one of the most versatile writers of the 18th century. Born in Ireland, he studied at Trinity College Dublin and traveled across Europe before settling in London, where he became part of Samuel Johnson’s literary circle. His novel The Vicar of Wakefield (1766), his play She Stoops to Conquer (1773), and his poem "The Deserted Village" are all considered classics of English literature. Goldsmith’s work is characterized by warmth, humor, and an underlying melancholy about social change and the loss of rural innocence.
Common themes in Oliver Goldsmith's work
18th-century literature
A recurring theme throughout Oliver Goldsmith's writing.
Anglo-Irish writer
A recurring theme throughout Oliver Goldsmith's writing.
Comedy
A recurring theme throughout Oliver Goldsmith's writing.
Pastoral fiction
A recurring theme throughout Oliver Goldsmith's writing.
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Why Oliver Goldsmith is still read today
Goldsmith’s works remain widely read classics. She Stoops to Conquer is one of the most performed comedies in English, and The Vicar of Wakefield is a beloved novel of English country life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Oliver Goldsmith?
Oliver Goldsmith (1728–1774) was an Anglo-Irish writer known for the novel The Vicar of Wakefield, the play She Stoops to Conquer, and the poem “The Deserted Village.”
What are his major works?
The Vicar of Wakefield and She Stoops to Conquer. Both are available free on TextStack.
Was he part of Johnson’s circle?
Yes, he was a close friend of Samuel Johnson and a member of The Club alongside Reynolds, Burke, and Boswell.
Where can I read Goldsmith free?
TextStack offers Goldsmith’s works to read free online.
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