An Enquiry into the Present State of Polite Learning in Europe

Before attaining fame as a member of Samuel Johnson's literary circle, Oliver Goldsmith attempted careers in law, medicine, education, and the clergy - and found little success in any of these fields. Born in Ireland to Anglican parents, Goldsmith travelled throughout western Europe, later using his experiences to inform his works on travel and national identities. His more famous works include the poems The Traveller and The Deserted Village, the novel The Vicar of Wakefield, and the play She Stoops to Conquer.