Tristram Shandy

By Laurence Sterne,

Book cover of Tristram Shandy

Book description

With a new Introduction by Cedric Watts, Research Professor of English, University of Sussex.

Laurence Sterne's The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman is a huge literary paradox, for it is both a novel and an anti-novel. As a comic novel replete with bawdy humour and generous sentiments, it…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked Tristram Shandy as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

It is a novel and a prolonged non-sequitur about life and worldly existence that speaks to me both as a person and as a professional. I read it in college and was astounded by the psychological depth and whimsy. “A cock and bull story, but one of the best…I have ever heard.” I think of that line from Sterne when I write my own work or read others; 

Want books like Tristram Shandy?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Tristram Shandy.

Browse books like Tristram Shandy

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in postmodernism, economic history, and Nietzsche?

11,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about postmodernism, economic history, and Nietzsche.

Postmodernism 33 books
Economic History 47 books
Nietzsche 42 books