Laurence Sterne

Sterne, Laurence (1713–68), British clergyman who became known as a novelist, largely because of the popularity of his book The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman (1760–67). In it, Sterne was thought to anticipate the work of post-Freudian stream-of-consciousness writers. Sterne drew on the ideas of philosopher John Locke to give form to this impressionistic, unconventionally structured novel about life as seen through the eyes of a young boy. Sterne also wrote a work of satire and a book about his experiences and reflections while traveling.