This acclaimed biography charts the life and work of Oliver Goldsmith, one of the most versatile and beloved writers of the 18th century. From his humble beginnings in rural Ireland to his eventual success as a poet, playwright, and novelist in London, Goldsmith's story is rich in drama, humor, and literary achievement. Drawing on a wealth of primary sources and meticulous research, John Forster has created a compelling portrait of this complex and fascinating figure of English letters. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.