Author

Oliver Goldsmith

Died 1774

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Subjects

Abduction -- Fiction Children of clergy -- Fiction Clergy -- Fiction Domestic fiction England -- Fiction Poor families -- Fiction Prisoners -- Fiction Picture books for children Comedy plays English literature -- 18th century English poetry English poetry -- 18th century Humorous poetry Humorous poetry, English Indexes Literature -- Collections

Books by Oliver Goldsmith

She Stoops to Conquer; Or, The Mistakes of a Night: A Comedy

"She Stoops to Conquer; Or, The Mistakes of a Night: A Comedy" by Oliver Goldsmith is a comedic play written during the late 18th century. The plot revolves around a series of misunderstandings and mistaken identities, particularly focusing on the interactions between the characters Young Marlow, who is shy around respectable women, and Miss Hardcastle, who finds herself in the midst of a confusing courtship. This comedy of errors also features a variety of humorous and eccentric characters, including the mischievous Tony Lumpkin, who complicates matters with his pranks. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle, who discuss their son Tony and the arrival of a young gentleman, Mr. Marlow, whom they hope will be a suitable match for their daughter, Kate. However, it quickly becomes evident that Marlow's shyness with respectable women is a source of comedy as he approaches interactions awkwardly, unable to communicate properly. Meanwhile, Tony devises a scheme to trick his family and others, setting the stage for a night filled with humorous misunderstandings. As the characters navigate their relationships and the ensuing chaos, the play promises an entertaining exploration of social norms and romantic pursuits in a comedic light.

The Complete Poetical Works of Oliver Goldsmith

"The Complete Poetical Works of Oliver Goldsmith" by Oliver Goldsmith is a comprehensive collection of the poet's writings, likely compiled in the early 20th century. The volume includes a wide array of his poetry, accompanied by editorial commentary and notes, showcasing the breadth of Goldsmith's talents and his contributions to literature during the 18th century. The opening of this compilation presents Goldsmith's reflections on his life and work, including insights into his personal struggles, aspirations, and the nature of poetry itself. He begins with a dedication to his brother, explaining the wisdom of finding happiness in simplicity over fame and fortune, before exploring themes such as the fleeting nature of happiness across different societies. The preface sets the stage for the primary poems, indicating that his works will delve into the joys and sorrows of the human experience, as well as address the conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations.

The Vicar of Wakefield

"The Vicar of Wakefield" by Oliver Goldsmith is a novel published in 1766. It follows the Primrose family's dramatic fall from wealth and prosperity into hardship and social disgrace, then their eventual redemption. Through unexpected misfortunes, financial ruin, and moral trials, the virtuous vicar Dr. Charles Primrose struggles to maintain his faith and integrity while protecting his family from deception and scandal. Goldsmith blends satire and sentiment to contrast the hypocrisy of the upper classes with simple Christian virtue and resilience.

The Poems of Oliver Goldsmith

"The Poems of Oliver Goldsmith" by Oliver Goldsmith is a collection of poetry written in the 18th century. This work showcases Goldsmith's diverse talent as a poet, capturing themes of rural life, human nature, and social criticism. With an insightful and often nostalgic tone, the collection invites readers to reflect on the past and the transformation of society, revealing the poet's deep affection for simpler, more innocent times. At the start of the collection, Goldsmith reflects on his childhood experiences in a rural setting, using vivid imagery to evoke memories of his youth spent in the idyllic village of Auburn. He paints a portrait of a once-thriving community, now overshadowed by the march of progress and luxury, leading to a sense of loss and melancholy. Through a rich tapestry of characters and heartfelt sentiment, Goldsmith explores the joys and sorrows of village life, setting the stage for the themes he will delve into throughout the collection.

Pinnock's improved edition of Dr. Goldsmith's History of Rome $b to which is prefixed an introduction to the study of Roman history, and a great variety of valuable information added throughout the work, on the manners, institutions, and antiquities of the Romans; with numerous biographical and historical notes; and questions for examination at the end of each section. $c By Wm. C. Taylor.

"Pinnock's Improved Edition of Dr. Goldsmith's History of Rome" by William C. Taylor is a historical account likely written in the mid-19th century. This work serves as a comprehensive examination of Roman history, tracing the development of Rome from its early days through its rise to a vast empire. With detailed insights into Roman culture, politics, and society, it aims to elucidate the complex historical landscape of ancient Rome for students and readers. The opening of the book introduces the geographical outline of Italy and highlights the early political and tribal divisions that existed before the unification under Roman dominance. It emphasizes the perception of Italy as a cohesive entity that only acquired its name after various independent tribes were unified. The narrative sets the stage for understanding how these early regional distinctions contributed to the sociopolitical climate that allowed for the eventual formation of Rome. Additionally, it provides an overview of the terms and customs of the tribes inhabiting the peninsula, setting a foundational understanding for Roman history that will be explored in subsequent chapters.

Dalziels' Illustrated Goldsmith

"Dalziel's Illustrated Goldsmith" by Oliver Goldsmith is a comprehensive collection of literary works written in the late 18th century. The volume features notable pieces such as "The Vicar of Wakefield," "The Traveller," and "She Stoops to Conquer," among others, showcasing Goldsmith's contributions to poetry, prose, and drama. The book also includes an insightful biography offering a glimpse into Goldsmith's life, character, and struggles as a writer. The beginning of this collection introduces readers to Goldsmith's family and early influences, particularly focusing on his father, the Reverend Charles Goldsmith. The narrative sketches a vivid picture of Goldsmith’s upbringing in Ireland, touching upon themes of kindness, benevolence, and the tensions between family aspirations and economic stability. As Goldsmith recounts his formative years, the depiction highlights his experiences in academia, early literary struggles, and formative journeys that shape his understanding of humanity, setting a reflective tone for the literary exploration that follows.

The Deserted Village

"The Deserted Village" by Oliver Goldsmith is a poem written in the 18th century. This reflective piece explores themes of rural life, nostalgia, and the impacts of commercialization on agrarian society. In the poem, Goldsmith laments the loss of the idyllic village life of Sweet Auburn, which represents a simpler, happier existence in harmony with nature. The poem begins with an affectionate description of Sweet Auburn, celebrating the joys of village life, including communal activities, pastoral beauty, and the bonds formed among its people. As the narrative unfolds, it shifts to a more somber tone, detailing the decline of the village due to the encroachment of wealth and industrialization, leading to desolation and despair. Goldsmith poignantly illustrates the plight of the villagers forced to abandon their home for the allure of urban wealth, only to find themselves in a harsher environment. The poem ends with a mournful farewell to the rustic virtues and the community spirit that once thrived in Sweet Auburn, highlighting the detrimental effects of luxury and loss of innocence.

Le Vicaire de Wakefield

"Le Vicaire de Wakefield" by Oliver Goldsmith is a novel written between 1761 and 1762 and published in 1766. The story follows the Primrose family as they fall from wealth and happiness into hardship and social disgrace through unexpected misfortunes. Dr. Charles Primrose, a virtuous country vicar, must maintain his faith and integrity while facing financial ruin, deception, and family crises. Goldsmith uses satire and comedy to expose the hypocrisy of the upper classes while celebrating the resilience of simple, virtuous living.

Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Oliver Goldsmith

"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Oliver Goldsmith" by Oliver Goldsmith is a compilation of the significant literary works of the author, spanning various genres, including plays, novels, essays, and poetry, and was likely compiled in the early 21st century. This collection features well-known pieces such as "She Stoops to Conquer," "The Vicar of Wakefield," and "The Deserted Village," highlighting Goldsmith's contributions to English literature through each of these distinctive forms. The book serves as a reflection of Goldsmith’s prowess in storytelling and commentary on social issues of his time. The compilation includes key works such as the comedic play "She Stoops to Conquer," which revolves around misunderstandings and romantic entanglements, and "The Vicar of Wakefield," a novel that presents a story of innocence, virtue, and misfortune within a pastoral setting. Additionally, poetry pieces like "The Deserted Village" evoke themes of nostalgia and loss, illustrating the impact of societal change on rural landscapes. Throughout, the collection showcases Goldsmith's ability to blend sentimentality with critical insights into human nature and society, making it a rich resource for readers seeking to understand the breadth of his literary legacy.

An Elegy on the Glory of Her Sex, Mrs. Mary Blaize

"An Elegy on the Glory of Her Sex, Mrs. Mary Blaize" by Oliver Goldsmith is a poem that falls within the genre of humorous verse, likely written in the 18th century. The work reflects on the life and character of the fictional Mrs. Mary Blaize, exploring themes of vanity, societal norms, and the human condition. The poem employs a light-hearted tone to convey deeper social commentary, characteristic of Goldsmith's literary style. The poem narrates the story of Mrs. Mary Blaize, a woman known for her wealth, beauty, and charm, as well as her shortcomings and follies. It begins by lamenting her passing, describing her generous nature towards the poor and how she was admired by many, including the King. However, the narrative takes a satirical turn as it hints at her moral flaws and vanity, such as her ostentatious church attire and the competition for her affections among suitors. Ultimately, the elegy highlights the fleeting nature of beauty and wealth, suggesting that despite her social prowess, it was her inability to escape reality that led to her downfall. The poem invites readers to reflect on the paradoxes of human behavior, especially in the context of social stature and personal morality.

An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog

"An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog" by Oliver Goldsmith is a whimsical poem illustrated by R. Caldecott, written during the late 18th century. This work combines humor and poignancy in a lighthearted exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the unpredictable nature of both humans and animals. It can be categorized as a children's poetry book, often appealing to audiences for its playful language and entertaining illustrations. The poem narrates the tale of a kind-hearted man and his unfortunate encounter with a mad dog. Initially friends, their relationship goes awry when the dog bites the man, prompting the community to assume the man will perish from the injury. However, to everyone’s surprise, the man recovers while the dog succumbs to madness. This twist emphasizes the irony of the situation and serves as a commentary on character judgments and the unforeseen outcomes of conflicts. Throughout the verses, Goldsmith intertwines humor with life lessons, showcasing his talent for playful storytelling that charms readers of all ages.

Wakefieldin kappalainen

"Wakefieldin kappalainen" by Oliver Goldsmith is a sentimental novel published in 1766. The story follows the Primrose family's dramatic fall from prosperity to hardship after financial ruin cancels a wedding and forces them to relocate. Under their new landlord, the charming but duplicitous Squire Thornhill, the virtuous family faces deception, scandal, and mounting troubles. Through satire and comedy, Goldsmith exposes upper-class hypocrisy while celebrating Christian virtue and resilience in this influential tale of loss and redemption.